• Reviewed on 12/12
    By Dr. Boguniewicz

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Wet Wrap Therapy


When symptoms are severe, your health care provider may suggest wet wrap therapy. These are dressings--often made from articles of clothing--that have been soaked in warm water with a dry layer applied on top. Face wraps are done by nurses trained in the procedure using gauze and surgical netting.

Apply wet wraps to skin after soaking and sealing and after applying topical steroid medicine. The wraps help keep skin moist and improve effectiveness of topical medicine. They also have a cooling anti-itch effect. Rewet or take the wraps off when they start to dry out. This should be done under medical supervision for short periods of time and only to the more severe eczema, and the patient should be observed for signs of skin infection.

Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Program


National Jewish Health is one of the leading institutions in the United States for treatment and research of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.  

Learn more.