Wet Wrap Therapy For Managing Severe Eczema Flare-ups

Wet Wrap Therapy for Eczema Flare-Ups: A Soothing Treatment

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Many people with eczema experience periodic flare-ups where symptoms suddenly worsen. During a flare-up, the skin becomes extremely irritated and uncomfortable. Severe eczema flare-ups can disrupt sleep, daily activities and quality of life.

Wet wrap therapy is an effective treatment for calming severe eczema flares. This method involves applying medicated creams or ointments on the skin and then wrapping the area with wet bandages. The wet wraps soothe the skin and allow the medication to absorb better. Wet wrap therapy brings rapid relief for itching, redness and inflammation.

How Wet Wrap Therapy Soothes Eczema Flares

Wet wrap therapy likely works through several mechanisms:

• The wet bandages have a cooling effect which reduces inflammation and itch.
• Moisture gets sealed into the skin allowing topical medications to penetrate better.
• Wet wraps provide a barrier against scratching and rubbing which further irritates the skin.

Together, these actions of wet wrap therapy promote healing and calm eczema flare-ups. This method can quickly get severe symptoms under control when other basic treatments have failed.

Who Can Benefit From Wet Wrap Therapy?

Wet wrap therapy is safe and effective for eczema flares in patients of any age, including:

• Infants
• Children
• Adolescents
• Adults

It can be used to treat flares affecting any part of the body. Some common areas are the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, neck and face. Wet wraps are especially helpful for sensitive areas like the face and neck which cannot be constantly scratched or rubbed.

How to Do Wet Wrap Therapy at Home

With a doctors guidance, wet wrap therapy can be easily done at home. Follow these steps:

1. Cleanse - First, gently wash and pat dry the affected area.
2. Apply medication - Apply any medicated ointments or creams as prescribed.
3. Wet wraps - Soak cotton gauze or bandages in cool water and wring out excess moisture.
4. Wrap - Wrap the wet bandage over the medicated area. Make sure its snug but not too tight.
5. Dry wraps - Put a final dry bandage or clothing layer on top.
6. Time - Keep the wraps on for a few hours or overnight as recommended.
7. Routine - Do wet wraps a few times per day during a severe flare.

Medications for Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wrap therapy works best when combined with medicated creams, gels or ointments. Common options include:

• Corticosteroids - These powerful anti-inflammatory creams rapidly reduce swelling, redness and itching. Mild corticosteroids are used on the face or skin folds, while stronger ones are used elsewhere.
• Calcineurin inhibitors - Drugs like tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) suppress the immune response that worsens eczema. They are commonly used on the face and neck.
• Phosphodiesterase inhibitors - Newer medications like crisaborole (Eucrisa) block inflammatory chemicals in eczema. Theyre safe for long-term use.

Antihistamines may also be prescribed to further manage itching during eczema flares.

Tips for Safe and Effective Wet Wrap Therapy

While wet wrap therapy is very beneficial for severe eczema, certain precautions should be taken:

Monitor for skin infections

The warm, moist environment under wet wraps may increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Carefully examine the skin for signs of infection like pus, yellow crusts or a foul odor. Call the doctor if you suspect an infection is developing.

Avoid overheating

Wet wraps can cause the body to overheat, especially in infants. Avoid using them in very warm weather or overheating the wet bandages. Look out for symptoms like profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea and headache which signal overheating.

Take breaks

Its recommended to take breaks from wet wrap therapy to let the skin breathe. For example, do wet wraps overnight but leave them off for a few hours in the daytime. Alternate wet wraps with emollient creams to provide moisture.

Watch for reactions

Certain solutions or additives used to wet the wraps may irritate the skin. Plain tap water usually works best. Pay attention and avoid anything that seems to worsen the eczema.

Gently pat dry

After removing wet wraps, gently pat or air dry the skin. Rubbing with a towel can re-aggravate the eczema.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a dermatologist experienced in managing eczema for guidance on wet wrap therapy. Seek medical advice if:

• Youre trying wet wraps for the first time
• Other treatments have failed to control a flare
• Eczema symptoms rapidly worsen or spread
• Signs of infection develop
• You have any concerns about the technique or safety

With professional input, wet wrap therapy can be customized to safely manage severe flares and improve quality of life.

The Takeaway

For severe eczema flares, wet wrap therapy can provide fast relief when other basic treatments fail. This method involves applying medicated ointments, then wrapping the area with wet bandages to soothe the inflammation. With some precautions, wet wrap therapy is safe for infants, children and adults. This technique reduces itching and inflammation so the eczema can start healing. Consult a dermatologist to see if wet wrap therapy might help manage your or your childs severe eczema flares.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.