Hello, my name is Heather, and I'm a specialist nurse at St John's Institute of Dermatology.
In this short video we will explain and demonstrate how to apply wet wraps to a child as a treatment for eczema.
Please note that this is a general guide and should not replace the advice given to you by your doctor or nurse.
[text] What are wet wraps and why do we use them?
Wet wraps are made of elasticated material.
They are used with moisturising creams and other prescribed treatments
to calm the skin during eczema flares.
They also form a protective layer over the skin and prevent further damage from scratching.
Wraps are most commonly used with emollient creams underneath,
although they can be used with topical steroids for a short time.
[text] Using wet wrap garments
You will need the following equipment to wet wrap a large area of skin.
Two tops, two leggings, emollient cream, clean warm water in a bowl or sink,
and something to distract your child such as toys or a book.
Start by bathing according to the advice you've been given.
After a bath or shower, apply a thick layer of emollient to the skin from head to toe.
Apply the emollient in downward strokes in the direction of hair growth.
While the emollient is absorbing into the skin, prepare the wraps.
Put one of the leggings and one of the tops into a bowl of warm water.
Once they are fully soaked, remove them and squeeze the garments to remove excess water.
The material should feel damp but not be dripping.
Make sure that the labels and seams on the garments are worn on the outside of the garment.
Roll the sleeves and body sections up.
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Put the top onto the child by gently stretching the head hole and pulling it over their head.
Gradually roll the sleeves and body section down gently.
Avoid overstretching the material as it can tear more easily when wet.
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Then do the same with the leggings. Gather up each leg of the garment and ask the child to step in
gradually and gently pull each side up until the material is smooth on the legs.
Try to do this as quickly as possible so that your child does not get too cold.
Once the damp top and leggings are on put a dry top and leggings over the top.
The garment should be close to the skin but not too tight.
You can leave the garments on for up to 24 hours.
Most people find that they use wet wraps overnight and remove them in the morning
and use them more during flare-ups.
[text] How to use wet wraps safely
If you think your child has a skin infection, wet wraps should not be used at the same time
as it can make the infection worse.
They should also be avoided if the child has a fever or is generally unwell.
If steroid creams are applied under wet wraps this can make them stronger,
therefore please ensure you carefully follow the advice given by your doctor or specialist nurse.
The garments can be washed in the washing machine and reused.
The instructions on how to do this come with the garment box.
[text] Using tubular bandages to treat localised areas of skin
To cover a smaller area of eczema on the arm or leg, tubular bandages may be used instead of full garments.
There are different sizes of tubular bandage for the size of area you wish to cover.
To use a tubular bandage to wrap a smaller area follow the same steps as applying a garment
but instead of using a garment, cut two pieces the same size from a roll of tubular bandage.
Apply emollient to the skin with a steroid cream if you have been advised to do this by your doctor or nurse.
Wet the first tubular bandage in the same way you would wet the garment.
Apply this to the area being treated then apply the second dry layer.
The tubular bandages are slightly elasticated so should stay in place
but if they fall down, an additional elasticated bandage or close fitting clothing may be used to hold it in place.
We hope you have found this video helpful.
If you would like some further written information, please click on the link below
to download a leaflet on how to apply wet wraps.