Ever have an eczema flare-up on girls' night out or date night with bae? You’re sitting there sippin’ rosé, feeling all kinds of cute when that persistent itch cranks into overdrive. Now you’re torn between ignoring it and hoping it goes away (even though it never does) or sneaking in a scratch at the risk of dry flakes dusting all over the bar. Ughhh, not again! 😩 Sounds like it’s time to learn how to wet wrap eczema.
Because let’s face it, eczema flare-ups sneak up at the most inopportune moments, despite all the steps you’ve taken to keep eczema under control. And let’s be honest—that dry, cracked, scaly patch of irritated skin sooo does not go with our outfit!
So you’re left wondering, “What can I put on cracked eczema to soothe the discomfort?” Topicals may help, but dry patches absorb them so quickly that constantly reapplying is a nuisance. Besides, ever had healing ointment get on your clothes? Same, babe and I also know how impossible it is to get out! 😒 (#RIP favorite, chiffon cami)
Learning how to wet wrap eczema might just be the tool to add to your itch-relieving, skin-supporting, glow-up arsenal! But wait, “wtf is wet wrap therapy?“ you ask? You know I’ve got you covered! In this guide, I’ll share the low-down on what wet wraps are and how they can help soothe the itch—so you can focus on giving more of that #maincharacter energy.
What is wet wrap therapy for eczema?
If you’re guessing wet wrap therapy uses dressings to hydrate and soothe your skin, you’re right, bestie. The wraps are usually made of cotton, surgical netting, or gauze. The gauze or cotton is soaked in water and applied to the affected area for several hours or overnight. You can totally use them along with other eczema remedies like topicals and supplements.
But wait, should eczema be kept moist or dry? Learning how to treat eczema is no walk in the park. If you’ve struggled with eczema for some time, you probably already know that helping your skin retain moisture is essential. Knowing how to wet wrap eczema can help you do just that!
Despite what causes eczema—environmental triggers, stress, genetics, allergies, irritants—the outcome is the same: dry, flakey, itchy skin begging for hydration! Unfortunately, we tend to underestimate just how thirsty our eczema-prone skin is. The result? Hella itchy skin, and the desperate Google search on how to stop eczema itching immediately. I feel you, girl.
Thick, greasy humectants are soothing but only offer temporary relief. Our thirsty-AF skin can absorb ointments within minutes, especially with severe eczema.
Meanwhile, skin remains itchy and dry.
When you master how to wet wrap eczema, the humectants work double-time. Ever seen those rubbery, moisturizing gloves or socks? They work almost the same way as wet wraps for eczema, hands and feet get that much-needed savory moisture. Wet wraps lock in moisture and prevent it from evaporating or rubbing off on other things (like your cute outfits).
Wet wraps help topicals penetrate deeper while acting as an added layer of protection over irritated skin. How? By keeping you from scratching, bestie! I know how hard resisting that urge to scratch can be (especially eczema itching at night). Wet wraps can protect your flare-ups from subconscious scratching or picking that worsens your eczema.
Wet wraps offer exceptional relief for eczema but truly soothing the itch starts from within. Consider combining wet wrap therapy with a skin-supporting gummy created by itchy people, for itchy people! Ingredients like MSM, Vitamin D, and Zinc join forces to soothe your skin while pantothenic acid and evening primrose oil quench its thirst! It doesn’t hurt that they’re yummy AF, too! 😋
Before I teach you how to wet wrap eczema, let’s check out the different types of wet wraps for eczema to soothe that pesky itch!
Types of Wet Wraps for Eczema
There are a few ways you can approach DIY wet wraps for eczema. Ultimately, choosing the best method depends on your preference, budget, and comfort. Different options may work better for certain areas than others. Here are a few types of wet wraps you can use:
- Medical Gauze
- Surgical Netting
- Cotton
- Plastic Wrap
- Vinyl Gloves
If you’d rather skip the home remedies, you’ll need to know where to buy wet wraps for eczema. Fortunately, they’re easy to track down! Amazon, CVS, and Walgreens all sell wet wraps. You could also ask your derm!
If they’re all out, try hydrocolloid bandages (which you may already have in your medicine cabinet). Hydro-whatta? These band-aids are occlusive, water-resistant dressings that help keep wounds moist. Guess what? Hydrocolloid bandages are good for eczema, too!
Knowing how to wet wrap eczema can offer relief during especially irksome flare-ups, whether you’re DIY-ing or opting for store-bought. So now that we’ve covered the basics let’s get down to the nitty-gritty!
How to Wet Wrap Eczema at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
On the real: we may never know how to cure eczema permanently. But wet wraps are among the best home remedies for weeping eczema, moderate to severe, or overly dry skin. However, knowing the right way to do it is essential for getting that sweet, sweet relief you crave. Here’s how:
How long do you leave wet wraps for eczema on? Depending on how severe your eczema flare-ups are, you can wet wrap for a few hours or leave it on overnight. Anything longer than that might be excessive. You can always double-check with your derm to be sure.
Are there any risks to wet wrap therapy?
Now that you know how to wet wrap eczema, it’s crucial to know the risks, so you don’t overdo it.
Wait—am I saying that wet wrapping can make eczema worse? 🤔 When applied correctly, wet wap therapy shouldn’t worsen your eczema, but overusing wet wraps can lead to mild skin infections. Signs of a potential infection can include fever, redness, or pain. If that happens, stop wet wrapping and call your derm asap.
That’s a Wrap, Babe!
Like most DIY eczema remedies, doing your research is key to avoiding any hiccups and getting it right, but hey! That’s why we’re here. 😉 Stick to these tips for wet wrapping eczema for smooth sailing and mega itch-relief.
Remember you aren’t in this solo. As your skincare besties, we’ve got your back every step of the way. Ready to meet embody and soothe the itch from within? 🥰