Wet Wrapping for Eczema: A Comprehensive Guide to Hydrating The Skin and Tackling Flare-Ups.
Uncover the benefits and methods of wet wrapping and slugging for effective eczema relief.
Key Takeaways
Introduction - Wet Wrapping for Eczema
Dealing with eczema can be challenging, especially when traditional moisturisers and emollients don't seem to provide enough relief. This can be made even more difficult when your skin is extra sensitive/damaged. A research backed therapy to tackle these situations is known as wet-wrapping and slugging. In this blog post, we will explore these methods in detail to help you achieve hydrated, healthy skin.
The Science Behind Wet Wrapping
Wet wrapping is a technique designed to rehydrate the skin and improve the effectiveness of your skincare product by trapping them underneath fabric/bandages so that they can't escape. The idea behind this is simple, if you don't trap your skincare products into the skin, part of them will just evaporate into the air. Instead, our aim is to maximise the amount of skincare products that are absorbed into your skin.
Choosing The Right Materials for Wet Wrapping
Choosing the appropriate materials for wet wrapping is crucial to ensure the process is effective, comfortable, and gentle on your skin. There are a variety of fabrics and bandages you can select from, each with its own unique benefits:
Cotton: Cotton is a natural fibre that's widely loved for its softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties. It provides a soothing touch to inflamed skin while allowing it to breathe, reducing the chances of overheating or further irritation. Try using pure cotton wraps like the DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing specifically designed for eczema patients.
Hypoallergenic Fabrics: Hypoallergenic fabrics are specially designed to be gentle on sensitive skin and reduce allergic reactions. They are free from allergens and irritants that could potentially exacerbate eczema symptoms.
Tencel: Tencel, a sustainable fabric derived from the wood pulp of trees, is a fantastic option for eczema patients. It's incredibly soft, lightweight, and breathable, but its real strength lies in its moisture-wicking abilities. Tencel can absorb 50% more moisture than cotton, making it perfect for wet-wrapping as it keeps the skin moisturized for longer periods. The Eczema Companys wet-wraps can be found with Tencel and offer this benefit.
Remember, everyone's skin reacts differently to various fabrics, so it's essential to test a small piece on your skin before committing to a particular material. Always avoid materials that are rough, synthetic, or known to cause irritation or allergic reactions, to prevent further discomfort or harm to your skin. Your skin's comfort should be your top priority in managing eczema.
Here are some examples from the Proton Health Marketplace:
How To Perform Wet Wrapping
If you're new to wet wrapping, you might feel unsure about the process. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you perform wet wrapping for eczema correctly and effectively:
Gather your materials, which include two layers of bandages or wraps, emollients or moisturisers, and any prescribed topical treatments.
Begin by taking a lukewarm bath or shower to cleanse and hydrate your skin. Gently pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp.
Apply any prescribed topical treatments to the affected areas as directed by your healthcare professional.
Generously apply emollients or moisturisers to your skin, ensuring you cover all eczema-affected areas.
Soak the first layer of bandages or wraps in warm water, then gently wring out the excess water, leaving the bandages damp but not dripping wet.
Apply the damp bandages to the affected areas, ensuring they are snug but not too tight. If your hands or feet are affected, you can use wet cotton gloves or socks as the damp layer.
Next, wrap the dry layer of bandages or wraps over the damp ones, again making sure they are snug but not too tight. You may use vinyl gloves or food-grade plastic wrap for hands or feet as the dry layer.
Wear loose-fitting clothes over the wraps to avoid disturbing them and leave the wet wraps in place for several hours or overnight, depending on your comfort level and your healthcare professional's recommendations.
After removing the wet wraps, gently cleanse your skin and reapply your emollients or moisturisers to lock in the moisture.
By following these steps, you can effectively perform a wet wrap for eczema to help rehydrate your skin, enhance the benefits of your emollients, and soothe any irritation or inflammation.
