Using Wet Wrap Therapy For Eczema
If ointments, creams and medications are not effective as forms of eczema treatment, then maybe it’s time you consider something new like wet wrap therapy for eczema. Wet wrap therapy for eczema can provide much need moisture and relief to dry itch eczema skin. But what is wet wrap therapy for eczema anyways?
Wet wrap therapy for eczema is the process of wrapping wet bandages around your eczema affected areas. To complete the process you would basically soak your body (concentrating on the affected areas) in with emollient oil and warm water. There are several different emollient oils that you can you a good one would be Emu oil. Just add a liberal amount to your bath water, you can’t use to much just use common sense. The is oils will moisturize your skin and decrease any redness or swelling associated with eczema. If you skin is extremely irritated you can apply an anti-itching cream first. After soaking your body in the mixture then you will be wrapping wet bandages around the areas most affected by eczema. People have seen positive results by wrapping wet bandages over dry bandages around the eczema area. This treatment can even be used on the face.
After removing bandages apply additional moisturizer as any eczema sufferer can attest to you can never have too much moisturizer on your dry sensitive skin when you suffer with this disease.
The advantage of using this wet wrap therapy for eczema is that it will rehydrate dry skin, allow you to sleep better, reduce the itching and redness on your skin. Keep these areas covered will also allow you reduce the risk of secondary infection because your skin is covered allowing protection from the occasional scratch.
Such benefits have been proven in various studies. One study shows that 74% of children who underwent wet wrap therapy reduced their itching habits after just a week. Another study shows that children were able to sleep better because with the help of the moisturizer, they didn’t feel the need to scratch.
The only negative thing about wet wrap therapy is the preparation time. Children are not able to sit still for a long period of time making it difficult for whoever is wrapping them with the bandage. Another challenge is adjusting to the sensation of a wet bandage around their body which is quite understandable given that this is not something we are accustomed to. In the end, you get used to it.
Unlike light therapy that is used to treat eczema, this type of treatment is only done for a week or two. During that time, you have to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day with the help of a moisturizer. To make sure that the treatment is effective, you also have to stay away from allergens or other irritants that may cause eczema flare-ups.
Wet wrap therapy is not only used for mild eczema but also for severe atopic dermatitis. In fact, the advantages of this form of therapy are the same. Although doctors recommend it, there are those who are skeptic because of certain risks such as increased cutaneous infections and folliculitis.
Wet wrap therapy is just one of the many forms of eczema treatment now available. If ointments, creams or medication don’t work, ask your doctor about it. Just like the other treatments, this can be done at home with the help of a family member as long as they are properly taught how to wrap the bandage around you and take it off.
