Wet wraps for eczema

A wet wrap usually has a comfortable damp layer placed over moisturised eczema, with a dry layer over it to reduce evaporation and protect clothing. This can be useful when skin is very dry, itchy, thickened, or cracked. It supports the skin barrier but does not identify the trigger or replace a personalised treatment plan. Eczema may cause [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/), [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/), and [Itching Worse At Night](/symptoms/itching-worse-at-night/).

Wash your hands, follow the prescribed order of medicine and moisturiser, and use clean soft materials that are damp rather than dripping. Wrap the affected area comfortably, leave it on only for the period advised, and change it if it becomes soiled. Avoid occluding a medicine unless the prescriber has specifically approved that use. Do not wrap skin with untreated crusting or suspected infection without medical advice.

Contact a clinician if the rash becomes more painful, hot, swollen, or rapidly more extensive, or if you see pus, honey-coloured crusting, or fever. [Cracked Skin](/symptoms/skin-cracking/) that is deep or bleeding deserves review. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or eye involvement. Darkening after inflammation can be [Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation](/conditions/post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation/) and may fade gradually.

Ask which areas to wrap, which products are suitable, how often to repeat the routine, how to wash the materials, and what to do if itching or redness increases.