A powerful at-home technique to calm severe itch, settle flares faster, and help the skin heal.
Wet wraps can be one of the most effective short-term strategies for children with moderate to severe eczema — particularly when itch is intense, sleep is disrupted, or flare-ups are not settling with moisturiser and medication alone.
Wet wraps work by:
- locking moisture into the skin
- improving absorption of prescribed creams
- physically reducing scratching
- rapidly calming inflammation and itch
Used correctly, they can make a noticeable difference within 24–72 hours.
[Book appointment] (Childhood Eczema Consultation)
Key takeaways
- Wet wraps are usually used for short periods during flares (often a few nights to 1 week)
- They are most useful when eczema is very itchy, widespread, or not settling
- Wet wraps can be done with moisturiser alone, or with medication on active patches
- If skin looks infected (yellow crusting, pus, spreading redness), seek review first
Related pages:
Jump links
- What wet wrap therapy is
- Who it helps most
- When not to use wet wraps
- What you need at home
- Step-by-step: how to do wet wraps
- Options: wraps for limbs vs whole body
- Bandages and dressings for eczema patches
- Practical tips (comfort + sleep)
- When to see a doctor
- FAQ
- Book
What is wet wrap therapy?
Wet wrap therapy is a technique where damp clothing or bandages are placed over moisturised (and sometimes medicated) skin, then covered with a dry layer.
It creates a sealed, humid micro-environment that:
- rehydrates dry cracked skin
- reduces itch quickly
- helps anti-inflammatory creams work better
- protects the skin from scratching while your child sleeps
Wet wraps are often used at night when scratching is worst.
Who wet wraps help most
Wet wraps can be very helpful for:
- severe itching that disrupts sleep
- widespread eczema flares
- thickened, rough areas from repeated scratching
- children who keep breaking the skin from scratching
- flares that aren’t settling despite good routine + medication
Wet wraps are typically a “flare tool” — not something most families need long-term.
When not to use wet wraps
Wet wraps should be avoided or used only with medical guidance if:
- the skin looks infected (yellow crusts, pus, spreading redness, fever)
- there are painful blisters or rapidly worsening eczema
- your child becomes very cold or distressed with the process
- you are using strong steroid creams without a clear plan
If you’re unsure, we can guide you through a safe plan at your appointment.
What you need at home
Most families can do wet wraps with items they already have:
For limbs (arms/legs)
- clean cotton tubular bandage or long cotton socks
- a clean dry layer to go over the top (dry socks, leggings, long sleeves)
For whole body
- two sets of cotton pyjamas (long sleeve/long leg)
- warm water in a sink or basin
- towels
Optional helpful items
- cotton gloves or mittens for night scratching
- a fan or cool room (helps itch)
- a thick fragrance-free moisturiser
Step-by-step: how to do wet wraps (simple and safe)
Step 1 — Bath or rinse (optional but helpful)
- Short warm bath or shower (5–10 minutes)
- Pat dry (don’t rub), leave skin slightly damp
Step 2 — Apply treatment
- Apply moisturiser generously over the whole body
- If your child has prescribed anti-inflammatory cream, apply it only to the active eczema patches, then moisturiser over the top
Step 3 — Create the wet layer
- Wet the inner layer (socks/tubular bandage/pyjamas) in warm water
- Wring out well so it is damp, not dripping
Step 4 — Dress and cover
- Put the damp layer on your child
- Put a dry layer on top (dry pyjamas, tracksuit pants, dressing gown)
Step 5 — Duration
- Aim for 30–60 minutes to start
- Many families do wet wraps overnight once the child tolerates them
- If your child gets cold, stop and warm them up
Step 6 — After removing wraps
- Re-apply moisturiser
- Continue normal daily routine
Options: limb wraps vs whole-body wraps
Limb wet wraps
Best for:
- wrists, elbows, ankles, knees
- small children who won’t tolerate full-body wet wraps
- targeted flares
Whole-body wet wraps
Best for:
- widespread flares
- severe nocturnal itch
- when sleep is significantly disrupted
If whole-body wet wraps feel like too much, do limb wraps only — partial wet wraps still help.
Bandages and dressings for eczema patches (when helpful)
Some patches benefit from protection even without full wet wraps.
When we use dressings
- small “hot spots” your child keeps scratching
- areas that keep cracking (hands, ankles)
- skin folds that become raw or weepy
- to protect skin during sleep
What works well at home
- Soft cotton bandaging over moisturiser
- Non-adherent dressings on raw areas (so they don’t stick)
- A light tubular bandage to hold things in place
If skin is weeping, crusted, or looks infected, dressings should be reviewed — infection may need treatment.
Practical tips (comfort + success)
- Keep the bedroom cool — overheating worsens itch
- Start with short sessions (30 minutes) before trying overnight
- Use warm water for the wet layer (cold can be unpleasant)
- Make it part of a calm bedtime routine (story, music, distraction)
- If your child hates the feeling, do limb wraps only or use dressings just on worst patches
When to see a doctor
Book a review if:
- eczema is severe enough to need wet wraps repeatedly
- wet wraps aren’t helping within a few days
- you suspect infection (yellow crusting, pus, spreading redness, fever)
- your child’s sleep is persistently affected
FAQ
Do wet wraps replace eczema medication?
No. They support the routine and help medications work better. For active flares, anti-inflammatory treatment is often still needed.
Can I do wet wraps with moisturiser only?
Yes — moisturiser-only wet wraps can be very helpful for dryness and itch, especially if you’re trying to minimise steroid use.
How many nights should we do wet wraps?
Often a few nights up to about a week during a flare is enough. If you need them constantly, we should review the overall plan.
Book an appointment
If your child’s eczema is severe, recurrent, or disrupting sleep, we can create a clear plan — including whether wet wraps are appropriate and how to use them safely.
[Book appointment] (Childhood Eczema Consultation)
Clinics: Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek
References
1.Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Eczema (includes wet dressings/wet wrap guidance).
https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/eczema/
2.National Eczema Association. Wet Wrap Therapy.
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/wet-wrap-therapy/
3.American Academy of Dermatology. Wet wrap therapy for eczema.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/wet-wrap-therapy