What are wet wrap bandages and how do they work?
Wet wrap bandages consist of two layers of medical-grade viscose clothing or bandage. The first layer is applied wet, and the second dry.
Wet wraps help to moisten the skin and reduce irritation. Wet wraps can help intensify topical corticosteroid treatment.
As the garment slowly dries out, the skin feels cooler, which can help to reduce the itch sensation. Furthermore, they help to break the itch-scratch cycle with eczema due to the barrier they provide against direct access to the skin.
Common brands of garments / tubular bandage include Clinifast®, Comfifast®, Skinnies® and Tubifast®. The garments and tubular bandages come in different sizes to suit different-aged children and large and small adults.
How do you apply wet wrap bandages?
Follow the steps below to apply the garment or tubular bandage.
- Step 1 – Wash hands for 20 seconds.
- Step 2 – Dampen the first (under) layer by soaking it briefly in clean, warm water.
- Step 3 – Squeeze out all the water so it remains damp (not dripping wet).
- Step 4 – Apply to the body / limbs.
- Step 5 – The second identical layer is put on over the top, but this layer is dry.
How long should you use wet wrap bandages?
When this treatment is initially started the wet wrap bandages remain in place for 24 hours and are then changed. Gradually, as the skin improves and as instructed by your doctor or specialist nurse, this may be reduced.
The inner layer of bandages should be checked regularly as they may become hot and uncomfortable if allowed to dry out. To keep the bandages moist, the outer layer can be pulled down, and the inner layer can be sprayed with warm water or by using a wet sponge.
Precautions
- Do not use if you suspect or have a skin infection (bacterial, fungal or viral). If infection is suspected your doctor or specialist nurse should be contacted.
- Sometimes, wet wrap bandages are used with topical corticosteroids underneath, which increases the strength of the corticosteroids. Your doctor or specialist nurse should always discuss your treatment plan with you before using wet wrap bandages and topical corticosteroids together.
- They should not be used over topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus (Protopic®) and pimecrolimus (Elidel®) due to the risk of being absorbed through the skin.
- Wet wraps should be avoided if the person has a fever or is generally unwell.
- The bandages can be washed by hand or in a washing machine, although to minimise fraying, they should be placed in something like an old pillowcase.
Useful sources of information
For further information
Medicines information patient helpline
Our medicines information helpline is for Newcastle Hospitals patients to answer questions they may have regarding their medicines.
Out-of-hours advice
Contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest urgent treatment centre.
