Dry wrapping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to soothe eczema-prone skin at home. It helps lock moisture into the skin, reduce scratching, and protect irritated areas while they heal.
Unlike wet wrap therapy, which can be time intensive and messy, dry wrapping is easy enough to use overnight, during naps, or even under everyday clothing.
For many people with eczema, dry wrapping becomes part of a regular skin care routine during flare ups because it combines two important things at once:
- deep moisturization
- physical protection for damaged skin
When paired with the right eczema clothing and moisturizers, dry wrapping can help calm itching, reduce irritation, and support the skin barrier naturally.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- what dry wrapping is
- how dry wrapping compares to wet wrap therapy
- the best fabrics for eczema wrapping
- how to dry wrap step by step
- when to use wet wraps for extra support
What is Dry Wrapping?
Unlike wet wrap therapy, which involves wearing damp clothing for 2+ hours, dry wrapping involves only moisturizing the skin with a natural eczema cream and covering it with a dry layer of clothing such as dry eczema wraps or mittens or gloves for an extended period of time, preferably overnight.
This eczema wet wrap alternative is more effective than just moisturizing the skin alone. Why? The dry layer protects the skin from outside contact (scratching and irritants) and helps emollients last longer.
Why Dry Wrapping Works for Eczema
Eczema skin loses moisture quickly and becomes easily irritated from friction, scratching, sweat, allergens, and rough fabrics.
Dry wrapping helps create a protective healing environment by:
- locking moisturizers against the skin longer
- reducing contact with irritants
- helping prevent nighttime scratching
- minimizing friction from clothing and bedding
- supporting skin barrier repair
Many people notice that their moisturizers work much better when covered with breathable eczema clothing instead of being left exposed to the air.
Dry wrapping can be especially helpful for:
- hand eczema
- arm and elbow eczema
- leg eczema
- chest eczema
- foot eczema
- weeping eczema
- itchy nighttime flare ups
Best Clothing and Fabrics for Dry Wrapping
Not all fabrics are eczema friendly. Since wraps sit directly against inflamed skin for long periods of time, the material matters.
The best dry wrap fabrics are:
- breathable
- soft
- form fitting
- low friction
- free from irritating dyes or harsh chemicals
Some of the most commonly recommended materials for eczema wrapping include:
- TENCEL™
- organic cotton
- bamboo-derived fabrics
Avoid rough or irritating materials like:
- wool
- polyester
- nylon
- heavily dyed fabrics
- stiff seams or scratchy elastic
Remedywear Is More Than Protective Clothing
Remedywear™ garments are not just designed to cover the skin. They are designed to actively support healing for eczema-prone skin.
The fabric is made with:
- ultra-soft TENCEL™ fibers
- zinc-embedded fabric designed to help calm irritation and reduce bacterial growth
Because the garments are breathable, stretchy, and form fitting, they work exceptionally well for:
- overnight eczema relief
- dry wrap therapy
- wet wrap therapy
- preventing scratching damage
- protecting skin from environmental irritants
Many people start by wearing Remedywear garments alone overnight. If they need additional support during a flare, they can add moisturizer underneath for dry wrapping. For more severe eczema flare ups, the garments can also be used as part of wet wrap therapy.
That flexibility is what makes eczema clothing such a powerful treatment tool instead of simply protective clothing. Did you know TENCEL and zinc oxide fabric was shown to improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis when worn just three nights consecutively? [1]
Other Helpful Clothing for Eczema-Prone Skin
In addition to Remedywear™, many people with eczema benefit from loose, breathable organic cotton clothing that minimizes irritation during the day and overnight.
Helpful options can include:
- organic cotton pajamas
- seamless underwear
- bra liners
- eczema sleeves
- anti-scratch mittens
- shirts with fold-over mitts
- soft socks without irritating elastic
For babies and children who scratch at night, clothing with built-in mittens can help reduce skin damage while still allowing comfortable movement and sleep.
A Start Simple Before Trying Dry Wrap Therapy
If your eczema is mild to moderate, we usually recommend trying breathable eczema clothing, like Remedywear, alone first for daytime and nightime treatment.
For many people, simply reducing friction, overheating, and scratching already makes a noticeable difference.
If your skin still needs more support:
- Apply moisturizer underneath the garments for dry wrapping
- If flare ups are severe or stubborn, try wet wrap therapy for a more intensive treatment approach
This step-by-step approach is often easier, more comfortable, and more sustainable long term.
What You’ll Need to Get Started with Dry Wrapping
1. Find a nice emollient natural eczema cream. You can also search by eczema symptom for the best treatment options.
2. Choose a set of clothing or bandages/dressings, such as these dry wrap garments made specifically for eczema. You can also dry wrap on individual areas such as:
- Hand Eczema: For best results use Remedywear Kids Gloves for Eczema or for Adults. Or try these cotton gloves for kids or for adults. (Read How to Treat Hand Eczema for more information.)
- Leg Eczema: To treat the whole leg, use Remedywear's Unisex Adult pants or spot treat with these eczema bandages. Lastly, you can try a pair of thin, form-fitting cotton leggings as well. Specifically for knee care, read How to Treat Eczema on Knees for more information.
- Chest/Arm Eczema: Use Remedywear's Unisex Adult shirts or spot treat with these eczema bandages. Another option is to use a thin cotton T-shirt. To treat the arm and elbows, you can also check out these Scratch Sleeves for Adults with Anti-Scratch Mitts. They're great for protecting the skin against intense scratching too.
- Foot Eczema: Use Remedywear's TENCEL socks for kids or these 100% organic cotton hypoallergenic socks.
- Groin eczema: Use a set of natural, organic cotton underwear or those made with TENCEL all found in our allergy free underwear section.
How & When to Try Dry Wrap Therapy
Wet wrap therapy is usually best reserved for more severe eczema flare ups when the skin needs an extra hydration boost.
To dry wrap:
- Apply moisturizer generously (amplifies affects when done just after a shower or bath)
- Cover the area with a layer of clothing or bandage
Dry wraps are typically worn for several hours or overnight depending on comfort and severity.
Final Thoughts on Dry Wrapping for Eczema
Dry wrapping is one of the easiest ways to help soothe eczema naturally at home. By combining moisturizer with breathable eczema clothing, you can help protect damaged skin, reduce irritation, and support overnight healing.
Whether you choose specialized eczema garments like Remedywear™ or soft organic cotton basics, the goal is the same:
- keep moisture in
- keep irritants out
- give the skin time to heal
For stubborn flare ups, dry wrapping can also be combined with wet wrap therapy for additional relief. Curious about wet wrapping? Learn how to wet wrap here.
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Wishing you skin health and happiness, The Eczema Company Team
Resources
[1] Wiegand, 2013, Skin-protective effects of a zinc oxide-functionalized textile and its relevance for atopic dermatitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol; 6: 115–121.
