How to Wet Wrap Using Soothems Eczema Therapy Pajamas

What Is Wet Wrapping?

Wet wrapping is a fairly simple and common atopic dermatitis therapy that can be incredibly effective for short-term eczema pain and itch relief. Studies have also shown that this therapy improves the skin’s ability to retain water, which is something atopic dermatitis sufferers struggle with. Many experience dramatic results for those who suffer from moderate to severe eczema after only one session of wet wrapping. Always consult your physician or dermatologist health care professional before starting this treatment or any other treatment to make sure it is best suited for the patient’s needs.

The goal of wet wrapping is simple – maintain a clean, damp fabric next to the irritated skin to help soothe and cool the skin by keeping it moist, thereby helping to reduce the itchiness associated with many common skin sensitivities like atopic dermatitis/eczema. It is commonly recommended to add a second dry clothing layer over the wet wrap to help keep bedding dry and the patient in a comfortable temperature state.

What is the best fabric for wet wrapping?

Not all fabrics and bandages work the same when it comes time for wet wrapping:

• Cotton, as an example, gets soggy, heavy, and has the tendency to sag out of shape. Although cotton is excellent at absorbing water, it tends to get everything else wet including bedding; and wet cotton can breed harmful bacteria.
• Polyester and silk do not absorb much moisture and tend to wick (spread out) moisture causing it to dry fast – therefore not really adding the needed moisture to the skin.
• Soothems are made from a special skincare smart fabric called TEWLTect^® that blends TENCEL™  with the biopolymer Chitosan to assist in rash healing and viscose from bamboo for special wet wrapping benefits. Because these fibers are hollow, they will hold 50% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet. TEWLTect^® slowly releases the moisture next to the skin allowing it to absorb and retain moisture naturally. By rehydrating the skin with TEWLTect^®, the skin will feel cooler, less irritated, and the incessant itch will subside. Overall it’s a much more comfortable feeling that just wet clothes next to the skin. TEWLTect is also encapsulated in Zinc Oxide which will help inhibit bacteria growth and speed the healing process. (Remember Zinc Oxide is what doctors recommend to treat diaper rash, which is caused by wet fabric next to tender skin for a prolonged time.)

Wet wrapping sounds easy, but there are many practical challenges when it comes time to wet wrapping, including a cranky, uncooperative child who knows how uncomfortable wet wraps can be. That is why you should always use garments made from special wet wrapping engineered fabrics and try reading a fun storybook like Search for a smile in the Moon to distract the child if possible.

What is the best eczema fabric for wet wrapping? : TEWLTect^®

Remember to always consult your physician or dermatologist before starting wet wrapping therapy. Every child is different, and so is every eczema condition. Follow their instructions on how to wet wrap and seek their advice on how long it is safe to wet wrap. Many healthcare professionals recommend not wet wrapping for longer than a week, because it could start to have adverse effects and dry out the skin. Immediately discontinue wet wrap therapy and Soothems garments and contact a qualified healthcare professional at the first signs of irritation, rash or discomfort.

Never leave a child unattended in a bath or around water.

Some parents describe getting a wet garment on their child is like wrestling an alligator, and the entire process can be stressful for caregivers and children. We highly recommend using special fabrics and garments designed to maximize wet wrapping benefits.

• Soothems are made from skin smart TEWLTect fabric that makes it easier to bring moisture next to the skin naturally and more comfortably. Because the fabric doesn’t feel wet (most of the moisture is inside the hollow fibers) and the round smooth fibers don’t stick to the skin like cotton, it is easier to get on. The fabric has the right amount of mechanical stretch, so it gives without feeling restrictive and spandex holds the garment’s shape.
• Soothems’ hollow fibers also offer a thermo-regulating property to help keep the body at the right temperature without feeling hot or cold.

Once on, sleeping in a wet garment can bring on a list of other discomforts.

• Even at an early age, children start recognizing and understanding Soothems’ MAGIC fade away blue moons and want to hear the delightful story about Scratch. The idea of wearing magic pajamas is every kid’s dream. This simple concept will help to relax your child and make what could be a nightmare into a happier night’s sleep for both child and caregiver.

Wet Wrapping Step by Step Instructions

1. Wash your Soothems garment according to care instructions prior to use.
2. Bathe and pat the skin dry before applying emollients, lotions, or creams to affected areas as directed by a healthcare professional.
3. For comfort, keep the ambient room temperature between 68° F/20°C - 78°F/25°C when using Soothems.
4. Soak the Soothems garment in warm water. Squeeze out the excess water; you want the garment damp, not soaking wet.
5. Cover the affected areas with the warm, damp Soothems garment. Soothems garments should fit snugly, but comfortably.
6. Then, cover the damp Soothems garment with a dry layer of Soothems garment or regular sleepwear. Depending on the dry second layer’s design, it will generally be more comfortable for your child to wear a slightly larger size for the second layer.
7. If rewetting is necessary during treatment, use a gentle spray bottle with clean, warm water to dampen the fabric or completely remove garment and re-soak in warm water, removing excess water before redressing.
8. Once done, generally, after at least two hours, apply a new layer of cream then go ahead and switch to normal dry clothes.