You can use any topical emollient under wet wraps! That includes natural eczema creams, although some emollients work better under wet wraps than others.
Here's our guide to choosing the best emollient to use under wet wraps.
- Choose an ointment not a cream. Because of their high oil contain, ointments are by far the best way of locking much-needed moisture into severely dry or inflamed skin and are fair less likely to sting on application than a water-based cream.
- Choose an ointment that actively works to support the skin barrier function: a waxy, natural balm containing beeswax works very well. Beeswax has the added virtue of being naturally antimicrobial, which is useful if there’s a risk of infection.
- Choose an ointment that feeds the skin with the nutrients it needs to repair and regenerate. Oils such as olive, hemp, borage, safflower etc are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and work really well to provide depleted skin with essential nourishment overnight.
- Choose an ointment that is as neutral and free from irritants as possible, so that skin can heal without being further irritated. Everyone’s skin is different and reacts to different triggers, so always patch test a new emollient first, whether it’s natural or synthetic, in case you or your child is sensitive to any ingredients. A general rule of thumb is to avoid perfumes, preservatives, alcohol, water, colourants or scent-maskers.
Skin Salvation is an ideal ointment to use under wet wraps because it fulfils all those criteria admirably! It protects, moisturises and nourishes and is free from common irritants - and most importantly, is designed so it doesn’t sting sore skin when applied!
See our step-by-step guide to wet wrapping here.
In this series of articles about wet wrapping, we’re focusing on using wet wraps with emollient creams, not with topical steroids. Always consult with a doctor or nurse if you’re using steroid creams as their potency may be increased when used under wet wraps and could damage the skin.
