How Wet Wrap Therapy Can Soothe Your Baby’s Eczema

Eczema affects about 1 in 20 children in Singapore, making it one of the most common childhood skin conditions^[1]. For many parents, managing eczema becomes a daily challenge. One proven and pediatrician-recommended solution is wet wrap therapy. This method is safe, effective, and especially helpful during eczema flare-ups.

What Is Wet Wrap Therapy?

Wet wrap therapy (WWT) started as a treatment method for severe eczema flares, designed to quickly soothe inflamed skin by applying a wet layer of fabric soaked in water over moisturised and medicated skin, followed by a dry layer to retain moisture and protect the area.

This approach, often called the “soak and seal” method, comes with different benefits:

• Cools and soothes irritated skin
• Hydrates intensely and reduces itchiness
• Enhances absorption of topical medications^[2]
• Offers fast relief: studies show up to 71% symptom reduction in children within two weeks^[3]

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wash your hands thoroughly to prevent introducing any bacteria to your baby’s sensitive skin.
2. Cut two pieces of tubular bandage or fabric for each limb: one for the wet layer and one for the dry layer.
3. Dip one set of bandages (or a body vest/leggings) into the water. Wring gently until they’re damp but not dripping.
4. If your doctor has prescribed a topical anti-inflammatory cream, apply a thin layer to affected areas. Only do this up to twice a day, unless otherwise advised.
5. Apply a thick layer of moisturiser over the medicated areas and the rest of your baby’s body.
6. Gently place the damp bandages or clothing over the treated skin to create a wet layer.
7. Finish by adding the dry bandage or a clean set of soft pyjamas to lock in moisture and prevent chilling.

For the best results, parents should use wet wrap therapy after a baby bath.

Evening is also the ideal time to perform wet wrap therapy, preferably before bedtime. The wraps should remain on for several hours or overnight.

If you’re new to this technique, this video from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital offers a helpful visual guide to wet wrap therapy for babies:

Tips for Singaporean Parents

• For eczema on the hands or feet, use cotton gloves or socks as the wet layer and cover them with a dry layer like vinyl gloves or food-grade plastic wrap.
• Your healthcare provider can demonstrate how to apply wet wraps to more sensitive areas, such as the face.
• Don’t leave dried-out wraps on too long, as they can irritate the skin as moisture evaporates.
• Wraps can be re-wetted and reapplied during the day for continuous relief.
• Avoid wrapping over infected or oozing skin.
• For more information about baby eczema, check out these blogs: Facial eczema | Eczema treatments | Contagiousness | Hives vs eczema | Baby neck rash

Remember, always consult your doctor before starting wet wrap therapy, especially for babies under 6 months or if your child has signs of skin infection.

FAQs

Can wet wrap therapy be used on all types of eczema?

Wet wrap therapy works best for people with moderate to severe atopic eczema^[4]. It can also help during bad flare-ups of other types of eczema, like dyshidrotic eczema (which affects hands and feet) and nummular eczema (which causes coin-shaped patches on the skin).

How often should I do wet wrap therapy?

Wet wrap therapy is usually done once or twice a day for a few hours or overnight. Most people use it for 4 to 5 days during an eczema flare-up, or as their doctor recommends^[5]. How often and how long you do it can change depending on how bad the eczema is, so it’s best to follow your doctor’s advice.

Is it better to keep eczema dry or moist?

It’s better to keep eczema skin moist rather than dry^[6]. Regularly applying moisturisers helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce itching, and prevent flare-ups.

For gentle, effective care, explore our eczema-prone skincare range specially formulated for sensitive baby skin.

For broader daily cleansing and moisturising beyond eczema-specific products, you can also browse our full Baby Care range.

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.