How To Effectively Wet Wrap Kids With Eczema
Wet wrap therapy became my lifeline during some of the toughest nights with my kids, and it’s a method that I’ve since shared with countless families facing similar struggles. Eczema can feel like an endless battle for both parents and children, particularly when those flare-ups occur, leaving skin raw and itchy. If you’ve ever spent sleepless nights trying to soothe your child’s inflamed skin, you know how desperate those moments can feel.
Here is your guide into wet wrap therapy, exploring how it can provide relief for children suffering from eczema. We’ll discuss the steps involved, the benefits, and why it’s essential to incorporate natural ingredients and proper techniques to make this therapy as effective as possible.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
What is Wet Wrap Therapy?
If you’ve been navigating the world of eczema for any length of time, you’ve likely heard of wet wrap therapy. This widely endorsed method is a cornerstone in managing severe eczema symptoms, offering significant relief when your child’s skin needs extra support. Even in hospital-led programs, wet wraps are a key component, often paired with topical steroids and antibiotics. However, I’ve found that you can achieve powerful results at home using a more natural approach.
“Wet wrap therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about creating an environment where your child’s skin can heal.”
-Andra McHugh
The Power of Daily Baths For Eczema Management
Daily baths play a crucial role in managing eczema, particularly when paired with wet wrap therapy. Not only do they cleanse the skin by removing irritants, allergens, and germs, but they also hydrate and prepare the skin to absorb treatments more effectively. When done correctly, these baths can reduce itching, calm inflammation, and support the rebuilding of the skin’s barrier.
In our home, I use detoxifying ingredients like baking soda and unscented Epsom salts in the bathwater. These ingredients help to soothe inflamed skin and provide temporary relief from the discomfort that often accompanies eczema. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and even common eczema treatments like oatmeal, which can worsen symptoms for some children. Instead, focus on natural, non-irritating solutions that support your child’s skin health.
Pre-Bath Herbal Oil Treatment
Before the bath, I highly recommend applying a herbal oil infused with anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing botanicals. These oils, due to their lipophilic properties, penetrate deeply into the skin’s lipid layers, providing more effective nourishment than many water-based products. In our routine, we use a blend of herbs like Amalaki, Neem and Madder Root which are infused into jojoba oil—a base that closely mimics the skin’s natural oils. This step is crucial for calming itching and reducing inflammation before the wet wrap therapy begins.
How to Perform Wet Wrap Therapy
After your child’s bath, pat their skin dry with a 100% cotton towel. The next steps are vital for ensuring the effectiveness of wet wrap therapy:
- Apply an Anti-Itch Spray: Use a natural, eczema-safe spray to target itching. Allow it to absorb into the skin.
- Moisturize Generously: Immediately apply a thick layer of oil-rich eczema-soothing cream. This combination deeply nourishes the skin and helps lock in moisture.
- Dress in Damp Organic Cotton Pajamas: The key to wet wrap therapy is to dress your child in damp, organic cotton pajamas. This layer helps seal in moisture and enhances the effectiveness of the cream and spray. I prefer using brands like Hanna Andersson or Burt’s Bees for their high-quality cotton.
- Add a Dry Layer: Finally, dress your child in a dry layer of cotton pajamas or a sweatsuit over the damp pajamas. This helps maintain the right balance of moisture without trapping too much heat.
While some doctors may recommend using petroleum-based products like Vaseline for wet wrap therapy, I advise against it. These heavy, greasy options can trap heat and moisture, potentially making eczema worse and hindering proper lymph movement, which is crucial for detoxifying and healing the skin.
Why Wet Wrap Therapy Works
Wet wrap therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about creating an environment where your child’s skin can heal. By preventing the skin from drying out and enhancing the effectiveness of treatments, wet wraps offer significant relief and help reduce the cycle of itching and scratching. While it’s true that wet wraps alone won’t reverse eczema, they provide the comfort and space your child needs to heal, making them an essential part of a holistic eczema management plan.
Incorporating Wet Wrap Therapy into Your Routine
Wet wrap therapy is a valuable tool in your eczema management arsenal, especially during those challenging flare-ups. However, it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach to healing eczema. Diet and lifestyle changes, along with natural remedies, are also crucial for reversing this condition.
If you’re looking for a complete guide to not just managing but reversing your child’s eczema, consider checking out the Eczema Elimination Method. Our course provides a step-by-step plan that has helped countless families transform their lives and bring more comfort and joy back into their homes.
Wet wrap therapy may seem daunting at first, but with the right steps and natural products, it can provide much-needed relief for your child. Remember, this is about more than just managing symptoms—it’s about giving your child the chance to heal and live a more comfortable, happy life.
Looking for More Eczema Relief?
Can we ever get enough? For more eczema skincare secrets and routines check out, The Best Sunscreen For Eczema-Prone Skin. Since the air date of that episode, we released our new eczema-safe sunscreen! Also, Why Topical Remedies Work For Eczema Rashes, Foods and Topical Solutions for Eczema Itch and Offered Eczema “Solutions” Leaving You Unsure?
FAQ
How does wet wrap therapy help with eczema?
Wet wrap therapy soothes inflamed and itchy skin by sealing in moisture and allowing medicinal ingredients to work more effectively. It helps to reduce itching, calm irritation, and support the healing of the skin barrier. It’s part of a holistic strategy that can help turn your child’s eczema around!
Can wet wrap therapy reverse eczema?
Wet wrap therapy is great for managing symptoms, but it won’t reverse eczema on its own. It’s part of a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies, like those found in the Eczema Elimination Method.
