Wet wrap therapy is a treatment for atopic dermatitis which is the most common type of eczema. We typically recommend wet wraps during moderate or severe eczema flares, when there is severe itching or pain. Wet wrap therapy can to reduce itching and pain, and provide some relief.
Wet wrap therapy requires multiple steps to help make your child feel more comfortable and improve their skin barrier. This treatment helps heal the skin so that your child does not develop an infection, as infections can be more common in children in eczema.
Wet wraps are washable, reusable viscose garments which children can wear either over the whole body or on whichever part is affected by eczema. Wet wrapping involves applying liberal amounts of emollient into the garments, and a dry layer, worn over the top.
For the wet wraps, garments will be prescribed by your GP and dispensed by your nominated pharmacy.
The suit needs to be a snug fit – not loose, if you have any concerns ask one of the nurses at your next visit. Ensure the suits are applied seam side out to stop irritation.
What will you need
- Your prescribed cream or ointment
- Viscose garments or a clean towel
- A dry layer for on top
Preparation
Prepare the skin
Bathe in lukewarm water using the prescribed bath additive for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Gently pat dry the skin, and do not rub, leaving the skin slightly damp.
Apply the emollient generously
Apply your prescribed cream or ointment generously all over the body. If prescribed corticosteroid creams, apply 15 to 20 minutes after emollients using fingertip units, demonstrated by your dermatology nurse in clinic.
Dress your child in the emollient garment
Put liberal amounts of emollient down into the garments and squeeze, to ensure they are wet.
The garments can be stored in a plastic bag in the fridge on hot days.
Add dry layer
The dry layer helps maintain the moisture within the inner layer and will help soothe the skin. Leave this on overnight, remove in the morning and reapply emollients.
Continue to apply the wet wraps until skin improves
Apply the wet wraps until skin improves, this could also include wearing them in the day as well as night. Once the skin has improved then the use of the suits can often be gradually reduced, to alternate nights, then twice a week, to keep the skin moisturised and healthy. If the skin flares, repeat the process, using the suits every day.
Safety advice
- Always use clean suits – the suits are made to be washed although the colour may fade
- Do not use if your child has a temperature, is chesty or unwell
- Do not use over infected skin, antibiotics are required for at least 48 hours prior to restarting the suits
- Do not use over Eczema herpeticum (widespread infection caused by the cold sore virus), antiviral medication is required for at least 48-72 hours prior to restarting the suits (always check with your dermatology nurse before restarting wet wrapping post eczema herpeticum)
- Do not use if your child has chicken pox
- Do not use if your child has molloscum (water warts)
Contact us
If you have any queries or require any help, please contact the Paediatric Dermatology Team.
Last reviewed: 28 July 2026