Treating acute flare-ups of atopic dermatitis with wet
dressings
The following six steps for application of wet dressings can be
used to provide relief of the severe itching and redness from acute
flare-ups:
- Apply the steroid cream to the affected areas of your child's
skin.
- Take one pair of child's sleepers and soak it in warm
water.
- Wring out the sleepers until only very slightly damp.
- Put the damp sleepers on your child and cover with a pair of
dry sleepers. Do NOT cover with plastic. The dampness MUST
evaporate.
- Make certain the room is warm enough.
- Your child may complain at first, but be firm.
- After the final wet dressing, apply emollient to the still
moist skin to seal the water in the skin before it
evaporates.
Wet dressings work through several means. The steady evaporation
of water results in constant stimulation of temperature-dependent
sensory nerve endings in the skin. This constant cooling sensation
prevents itch sensations. The wet dressings restore humidity to the
dry skin surface and enhance the effect of the steroid ointment. Your
child will have less access to their skin, and damage from scratching
or rubbing can be avoided. Wet dressings can be used continuously for
24 or 72 hours for severe flares or can be used just nightly for one
or 2 nights or up to 5 to 10 nights if necessary to clear up badly
eczematous skin.
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