While research shows that wet therapy1,2,3 is effective for treatment of children with eczema, trying to wrap a young, fidgety child is not an easy task for parents. Nighttime itching, crying, irritability and chronic lack of sleep are also common for children who have eczema.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Traditional wet wrap therapy involves covering the inflamed area with wet dressings, such as gauze, to hydrate the skin and prevent scratching. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benefits include a decrease in staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on the skin, and reduced redness and inflammation. Wet wrapping also can help rehydrate dry skin, lessen itching and promote restful sleep. However, for parents wet wrap therapy can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Peter Lio, MD, assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, recommends wet wrap therapy frequently for eczema. “It is best suited for more severe cases, since it is a bit of work to do it, but it is one of the most powerful treatments we have. It is useful for both widespread eczema (using long underwear or a onesie to treat the whole body), but also for more localized disease (socks or gloves, or even gauntlet-type wraps). I have also used it on the face,” he says.
Generally, Dr. Lio recommends use of wet wrap therapy with a topical corticosteroid for up to 1 week, usually at night. “However, I have had patients like it so much that they continue to do wet wraps with just a moisturizer for longer periods. We think that it is very safe when used only with a moisturizer and gives a “spa” effect in that the skin stays super-moisturized and protected from scratching,” he adds.
Dr. Lio notes that wet wrap therapy is hard work, but it almost always pays off if people can stick with it. “When used with topical corticosteroids, it must be limited to 1 to 2 weeks at most, however, as side effects are likely with prolonged use,” he says.
The Mother of Invention
Beth Scott’s 4-month old was diagnosed with eczema and experienced itching that interrupted his sleep. “He would scratch until he bled, and no one in the family could sleep because he was up all night,” says Scott, who lives with her family in Denver, CO. After an allergist diagnosed Scott’s son with eczema and a full-body staph infection, the doctor recommended wet wrap therapy.
“I was told to wrap my son in wet gauze or clothing and tape wet socks on his hands and feet,” she says. “Imagine doing that to an itchy, irritable and wriggling child. The process took an hour each time.”
So Scott set out to find a better way, starting with prototype garments she made at her kitchen table. She spent 3 years testing different designs and fabrics while checking in with her son’s doctors. “I wanted to design a product that would simplify this therapy for my son and the other children who suffer from eczema, and simplify the lives of their parents as well.”
The end result was AD RescueWear’s Wrap-E-Soothe product line, which includes the Wrap-E-Soothe Suit, a full-body suit for children ages 6 months to 3 years; Wrap-E-Soothe Tops and Bottoms designed for 4- and 5-year-olds and Wrap-E-Soothe Sleeves for problem areas on hands, arms, legs, feet and ankles.
AD RescueWear’s Wrap-E-Soothe is a Class 1 medical device, and is available in the United States from McKesson Medical-Surgical. Last year, the company began exporting Wrap-E-Soothe products to Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. AD RescueWear obtained the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance with a 5-star rating, the organization’s highest.
The products are made with 94% TENCEL/lyocell, a sustainable fiber made from eucalyptus pulp that is free of hazardous chemicals, according to Scott. “Not only is it one of the softest fabrics available, it is smoother and more breathable than cotton, with excellent cooling and thermo-regulating properties. A small amount of spandex is added to the fabric for easy dressing and a close fit to optimize wet wrap therapy. Children love the feel of the super-soft fabric of the Wrap-E-Soothe products on their irritated skin,” she says.
“Wrap-E-Soothe products are moistened by the caregiver and then slipped onto the child. Parents use the Wrap-E-Soothe Suit to wrap a child’s body in less than 2 minutes. Wrap-E-Soothe Sleeves can be applied to arms, legs, hands and feet in under 30 seconds. And built-in fold-over hand covers prevent kids from scratching,” Scott says.
The garments, which can also be worn dry as anti-itch undergarments to soothe irritated skin and prevent scratching, are reusable and machine-washable.
Clinical Experience
Dr. Lio notes that the AD RescueWear suit is comfortable, lightweight and designed for the wet wrap therapy task. “All of these features help with adherence to the therapy, which can be difficult at times. Interestingly, we’ve had some patients continue to wear the RescueWear suits even as ‘dry wraps’ — something about the comfort and the full-body coverage can be soothing for some patients,” he says.
Pediatric allergist Paul M. Ehrlich, MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine and past president of the New York Allergy and Asthma Society, also recommends Wrap-E-Soothe products to his patients.
“I find wet wrap therapy using Wrap-E-Soothe clothing a wonderful way of treating and managing atopic dermatitis in children,” says Dr. Ehrlich. “This hydration method helps dampen the pruritus of the skin and lessen the use of expensive corticosteroid creams and ointments. It adds immeasurably to overall treatment.”
References
1. Janmohamed SR, Oranje AP, Devillers AC, et al. The proactive wet-wrap method with diluted corticosteroids versus emollients in children with atopic dermatitis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. Published online ahead of print March 31, 2014.
2. Devillers AC, Oranje AP. Wet-wrap treatment in children with atopic dermatitis: a practical guideline. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(1):24-27.
3. Braham SJ, Pugashetti R, Koo J, Maibach HI. Occlusive therapy in atopic dermatitis: overview. J Dermatolog Treat. 2010;21(2):62-72.
While research shows that wet therapy1,2,3 is effective for treatment of children with eczema, trying to wrap a young, fidgety child is not an easy task for parents. Nighttime itching, crying, irritability and chronic lack of sleep are also common for children who have eczema.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Traditional wet wrap therapy involves covering the inflamed area with wet dressings, such as gauze, to hydrate the skin and prevent scratching. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benefits include a decrease in staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on the skin, and reduced redness and inflammation. Wet wrapping also can help rehydrate dry skin, lessen itching and promote restful sleep. However, for parents wet wrap therapy can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Peter Lio, MD, assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, recommends wet wrap therapy frequently for eczema. “It is best suited for more severe cases, since it is a bit of work to do it, but it is one of the most powerful treatments we have. It is useful for both widespread eczema (using long underwear or a onesie to treat the whole body), but also for more localized disease (socks or gloves, or even gauntlet-type wraps). I have also used it on the face,” he says.
Generally, Dr. Lio recommends use of wet wrap therapy with a topical corticosteroid for up to 1 week, usually at night. “However, I have had patients like it so much that they continue to do wet wraps with just a moisturizer for longer periods. We think that it is very safe when used only with a moisturizer and gives a “spa” effect in that the skin stays super-moisturized and protected from scratching,” he adds.
Dr. Lio notes that wet wrap therapy is hard work, but it almost always pays off if people can stick with it. “When used with topical corticosteroids, it must be limited to 1 to 2 weeks at most, however, as side effects are likely with prolonged use,” he says.
The Mother of Invention
Beth Scott’s 4-month old was diagnosed with eczema and experienced itching that interrupted his sleep. “He would scratch until he bled, and no one in the family could sleep because he was up all night,” says Scott, who lives with her family in Denver, CO. After an allergist diagnosed Scott’s son with eczema and a full-body staph infection, the doctor recommended wet wrap therapy.
“I was told to wrap my son in wet gauze or clothing and tape wet socks on his hands and feet,” she says. “Imagine doing that to an itchy, irritable and wriggling child. The process took an hour each time.”
So Scott set out to find a better way, starting with prototype garments she made at her kitchen table. She spent 3 years testing different designs and fabrics while checking in with her son’s doctors. “I wanted to design a product that would simplify this therapy for my son and the other children who suffer from eczema, and simplify the lives of their parents as well.”
The end result was AD RescueWear’s Wrap-E-Soothe product line, which includes the Wrap-E-Soothe Suit, a full-body suit for children ages 6 months to 3 years; Wrap-E-Soothe Tops and Bottoms designed for 4- and 5-year-olds and Wrap-E-Soothe Sleeves for problem areas on hands, arms, legs, feet and ankles.
AD RescueWear’s Wrap-E-Soothe is a Class 1 medical device, and is available in the United States from McKesson Medical-Surgical. Last year, the company began exporting Wrap-E-Soothe products to Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. AD RescueWear obtained the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance with a 5-star rating, the organization’s highest.
The products are made with 94% TENCEL/lyocell, a sustainable fiber made from eucalyptus pulp that is free of hazardous chemicals, according to Scott. “Not only is it one of the softest fabrics available, it is smoother and more breathable than cotton, with excellent cooling and thermo-regulating properties. A small amount of spandex is added to the fabric for easy dressing and a close fit to optimize wet wrap therapy. Children love the feel of the super-soft fabric of the Wrap-E-Soothe products on their irritated skin,” she says.
“Wrap-E-Soothe products are moistened by the caregiver and then slipped onto the child. Parents use the Wrap-E-Soothe Suit to wrap a child’s body in less than 2 minutes. Wrap-E-Soothe Sleeves can be applied to arms, legs, hands and feet in under 30 seconds. And built-in fold-over hand covers prevent kids from scratching,” Scott says.
The garments, which can also be worn dry as anti-itch undergarments to soothe irritated skin and prevent scratching, are reusable and machine-washable.
Clinical Experience
Dr. Lio notes that the AD RescueWear suit is comfortable, lightweight and designed for the wet wrap therapy task. “All of these features help with adherence to the therapy, which can be difficult at times. Interestingly, we’ve had some patients continue to wear the RescueWear suits even as ‘dry wraps’ — something about the comfort and the full-body coverage can be soothing for some patients,” he says.
Pediatric allergist Paul M. Ehrlich, MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine and past president of the New York Allergy and Asthma Society, also recommends Wrap-E-Soothe products to his patients.
“I find wet wrap therapy using Wrap-E-Soothe clothing a wonderful way of treating and managing atopic dermatitis in children,” says Dr. Ehrlich. “This hydration method helps dampen the pruritus of the skin and lessen the use of expensive corticosteroid creams and ointments. It adds immeasurably to overall treatment.”
References
1. Janmohamed SR, Oranje AP, Devillers AC, et al. The proactive wet-wrap method with diluted corticosteroids versus emollients in children with atopic dermatitis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. Published online ahead of print March 31, 2014.
2. Devillers AC, Oranje AP. Wet-wrap treatment in children with atopic dermatitis: a practical guideline. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(1):24-27.
3. Braham SJ, Pugashetti R, Koo J, Maibach HI. Occlusive therapy in atopic dermatitis: overview. J Dermatolog Treat. 2010;21(2):62-72.
While research shows that wet therapy1,2,3 is effective for treatment of children with eczema, trying to wrap a young, fidgety child is not an easy task for parents. Nighttime itching, crying, irritability and chronic lack of sleep are also common for children who have eczema.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Traditional wet wrap therapy involves covering the inflamed area with wet dressings, such as gauze, to hydrate the skin and prevent scratching. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benefits include a decrease in staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on the skin, and reduced redness and inflammation. Wet wrapping also can help rehydrate dry skin, lessen itching and promote restful sleep. However, for parents wet wrap therapy can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Peter Lio, MD, assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, recommends wet wrap therapy frequently for eczema. “It is best suited for more severe cases, since it is a bit of work to do it, but it is one of the most powerful treatments we have. It is useful for both widespread eczema (using long underwear or a onesie to treat the whole body), but also for more localized disease (socks or gloves, or even gauntlet-type wraps). I have also used it on the face,” he says.
Generally, Dr. Lio recommends use of wet wrap therapy with a topical corticosteroid for up to 1 week, usually at night. “However, I have had patients like it so much that they continue to do wet wraps with just a moisturizer for longer periods. We think that it is very safe when used only with a moisturizer and gives a “spa” effect in that the skin stays super-moisturized and protected from scratching,” he adds.
Dr. Lio notes that wet wrap therapy is hard work, but it almost always pays off if people can stick with it. “When used with topical corticosteroids, it must be limited to 1 to 2 weeks at most, however, as side effects are likely with prolonged use,” he says.
The Mother of Invention
Beth Scott’s 4-month old was diagnosed with eczema and experienced itching that interrupted his sleep. “He would scratch until he bled, and no one in the family could sleep because he was up all night,” says Scott, who lives with her family in Denver, CO. After an allergist diagnosed Scott’s son with eczema and a full-body staph infection, the doctor recommended wet wrap therapy.
“I was told to wrap my son in wet gauze or clothing and tape wet socks on his hands and feet,” she says. “Imagine doing that to an itchy, irritable and wriggling child. The process took an hour each time.”
So Scott set out to find a better way, starting with prototype garments she made at her kitchen table. She spent 3 years testing different designs and fabrics while checking in with her son’s doctors. “I wanted to design a product that would simplify this therapy for my son and the other children who suffer from eczema, and simplify the lives of their parents as well.”
The end result was AD RescueWear’s Wrap-E-Soothe product line, which includes the Wrap-E-Soothe Suit, a full-body suit for children ages 6 months to 3 years; Wrap-E-Soothe Tops and Bottoms designed for 4- and 5-year-olds and Wrap-E-Soothe Sleeves for problem areas on hands, arms, legs, feet and ankles.
AD RescueWear’s Wrap-E-Soothe is a Class 1 medical device, and is available in the United States from McKesson Medical-Surgical. Last year, the company began exporting Wrap-E-Soothe products to Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. AD RescueWear obtained the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance with a 5-star rating, the organization’s highest.
The products are made with 94% TENCEL/lyocell, a sustainable fiber made from eucalyptus pulp that is free of hazardous chemicals, according to Scott. “Not only is it one of the softest fabrics available, it is smoother and more breathable than cotton, with excellent cooling and thermo-regulating properties. A small amount of spandex is added to the fabric for easy dressing and a close fit to optimize wet wrap therapy. Children love the feel of the super-soft fabric of the Wrap-E-Soothe products on their irritated skin,” she says.
“Wrap-E-Soothe products are moistened by the caregiver and then slipped onto the child. Parents use the Wrap-E-Soothe Suit to wrap a child’s body in less than 2 minutes. Wrap-E-Soothe Sleeves can be applied to arms, legs, hands and feet in under 30 seconds. And built-in fold-over hand covers prevent kids from scratching,” Scott says.
The garments, which can also be worn dry as anti-itch undergarments to soothe irritated skin and prevent scratching, are reusable and machine-washable.
Clinical Experience
Dr. Lio notes that the AD RescueWear suit is comfortable, lightweight and designed for the wet wrap therapy task. “All of these features help with adherence to the therapy, which can be difficult at times. Interestingly, we’ve had some patients continue to wear the RescueWear suits even as ‘dry wraps’ — something about the comfort and the full-body coverage can be soothing for some patients,” he says.
Pediatric allergist Paul M. Ehrlich, MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine and past president of the New York Allergy and Asthma Society, also recommends Wrap-E-Soothe products to his patients.
“I find wet wrap therapy using Wrap-E-Soothe clothing a wonderful way of treating and managing atopic dermatitis in children,” says Dr. Ehrlich. “This hydration method helps dampen the pruritus of the skin and lessen the use of expensive corticosteroid creams and ointments. It adds immeasurably to overall treatment.”
References
1. Janmohamed SR, Oranje AP, Devillers AC, et al. The proactive wet-wrap method with diluted corticosteroids versus emollients in children with atopic dermatitis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. Published online ahead of print March 31, 2014.
2. Devillers AC, Oranje AP. Wet-wrap treatment in children with atopic dermatitis: a practical guideline. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(1):24-27.
3. Braham SJ, Pugashetti R, Koo J, Maibach HI. Occlusive therapy in atopic dermatitis: overview. J Dermatolog Treat. 2010;21(2):62-72.
