Wet dressings for eczema

Wet dressings are used to give children some relief during a severe eczema flare-up. They are usually used when moisturisers and topical corticosteroids are not enough to treat a flare-up.

Wet dressings can: 

• cover and protect the skin from scratching
• give children some relief from the heat and itching sensation of eczema
• help to hydrate the skin
• improve how moisturisers and topical corticosteroids are absorbed into the skin.

Wet dressings can be applied to a specific part of the body or the entire body. They can be applied at the hospital or at home if they are only being used for short periods.

Items used in wet dressings include:

• linen or 100% cotton fabric, crepe bandages and Tubifast bandages - cut to the size of each part of your child’s body
• short lengths of tape - cut to about 5cm for closing and securing bandages
• a wooden spatula or plastic spoon - used to remove moisturiser from the jar and prevent contamination.

Try to prepare the wet dressing items ahead of time so that application is quick. This can lower stress and discomfort for your child.

The steps for wet dressing treatment are as follows:

Wet dressing can also be applied to your child’s face. 

The steps for wet dressing treatment on the face are:

1. draw a face mask on paper and adjust it to make it fit comfortably around your child’s eyes, nose and mouth 
2. use the paper mask as a template to cut a mask out of the linen fabric
3. apply the corticosteroid cream or ointment and moisturiser carefully to your child’s face
4. moisten the linen mask with warm water and gently squeeze to remove excess water
5. carefully place the linen mask on your child's face
6. hold the mask in place with crepe bandage and Tubifast.

If your child is under 12 months old, dressings on the head and face must be removed before you or your child go to sleep. 

This is because the head and face dressings can cover the airways and cause suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs). Apply extra moisturiser to your baby's face overnight if they wake up.

Tips for applying wet dressing

Tips for applying wet dressings to children include:

• ask a partner or other trusted adult to help you apply your child’s wet dressing
• choose a time of day when your child is not feeling hungry, tired or upset
• 100% cotton clothing, like long pants and long-sleeved shirts, can be used instead of linen 
• use your child’s favourite toys, games, music, and TV shows to provide comfort and distraction while the dressing is being applied
• build your child’s confidence by getting them to help prepare the bandages or help you apply the moisturiser onto their body
• in warm weather, remove the bandages and Tubifast, and spray water onto the linen using a new, clean spray bottle to prevent infection
• in hot weather, dress your child with one layer of clothing over a wet dressing like a t-shirt, loose shorts, or dress to prevent overheating.

If your child is experiencing pain or you have concerns, see your local doctor as soon as possible.