No matter what you do, the itch doesn't go away. It's keeping you from getting much-needed sleep, and you scratch until it bleeds. Hoping for some fast relief, you reach for a wet wrap.
When a severe flare is taking over, the only thing you want is to calm the relentless itch and ease the discomfort. Wet wrap therapy is a common household solution to soothe eczema—but it's not the only approach you can take.
Here are the different benefits for wet wrapping and applying a patch, plus how to know which is right for you.
If you're unsure what kind of relief your skin needs, take the Flare Quiz to check your stage in 60 seconds.
Why Is Wet Wrap Therapy Used for Eczema?
Wet wrapping involves soaking fabrics, like cotton or gauze, in water and wrapping the affected area with them, followed by a dry piece of fabric. This is effective in rehydrating the barrier, calming itch, and providing a cooling effect.
According to the National Eczema Association, doctors recommend wet wrap therapy for severe Active Flares, and to do the "soak and seal" method right before: Bathe, moisturize, and then put on topical medications if you use them. This allows the products to penetrate the barrier more effectively.
Wet Wraps vs. Patches
While wet wrap therapy is generally recommended by dermatologists, it can be annoying to stop what you're doing to go through the full process or go to bed with damp fabrics on your skin. The cooling feeling may also not be sustained as long as you'd want if the wrap dries out.
If you're in the middle of an Active Flare, Surge patch can also help retain optimal moisture levels with its hydrocolloid technology, along with providing relief from itching. The patch acts as a physical barrier to prevent scratching, and gentle ingredients like zinc oxide and centella asiatica support calm skin. You can wear it for up to six to eight hours, so the soothing effects are long lasting.
If your flare site is larger, wet wrap therapy will likely cover it better than a patch. To get the benefits of both patches and wet wraps, you can do your soak and seal and wet wrap therapy on your bigger flares and apply Surge to the smaller ones. Or wear a patch when you go to school or work and do a wet wrap when you get home—whatever you feel is right for your skin.
Surge is made of hydrocolloid to retain moisture and protect your Active Flare from scratching and external irritants.
FAQs
Should you use a wet wrap or an eczema patch for a flare?
It depends on the size and severity of your flare, but you can support the skin with both at different times of the day or by using patches on smaller areas. If you'd like relief that's longer-lasting and takes less effort, try reaching for a patch.
How do you do wet wrap therapy for eczema?
Wet wrap therapy involves wrapping a damp piece of fabric around your flare site, and then applying a piece of dry fabric on top. You typically should leave your wet wrap on for a couple hours or overnight if your flare is severe.
Can you use a wet wrap and an eczema patch together?
You can use a wet wrap and patch at the same time if you apply them in different areas or different times of day. However, it's not recommended to wear a patch right after occlusion or when skin is damp.
Can you leave a wet wrap on overnight?
Yes, although this is typically only recommended for severe flares. It may provide cooling relief long enough to help you fall asleep and can retain moisture, as long as it doesn't dry out.