Dry wrap therapy is one of the simplest ways to help protect eczema-prone skin between flare-ups. Unlike wet wrap therapy, dry wrapping uses soft therapeutic clothing to lock in moisturizers, reduce scratching, and support the skin barrier throughout the day or overnight.
Whether you're managing eczema yourself or caring for a child with sensitive skin, dry wrapping can become part of an everyday routine to help calm irritation and improve comfort.
In This Guide You'll Learn
- What dry wrap therapy is
- How dry wrapping works
- When to use dry wraps
- Best fabrics for eczema
- Dry wrap vs wet wrap therapy
- How to build a dry wrap routine
- Frequently asked questions
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.
Dry Wrap Therapy vs. Wet Wrap Therapy
Both dry wrap therapy and wet wrap therapy help support the skin barrier, but they are used for different stages of eczema.
| Dry Wrap Therapy | Wet Wrap Therapy |
|---|---|
| Uses dry therapeutic clothing over moisturizer | Uses a damp inner layer covered by a dry outer layer |
| Best for daily eczema management | Best for moderate to severe eczema flare-ups |
| Helps lock in moisture and reduce friction | Provides intensive hydration and quickly calms inflamed skin |
| Can be worn during the day or overnight | Typically used for several hours or overnight during flare-ups |
| Ideal for maintaining the skin barrier | Ideal for rapidly calming severe itching and inflammation |
Many people use both techniques at different times. Wet wrap therapy can help calm an active flare, while dry wrap therapy becomes part of an everyday routine to maintain healthier skin and help reduce future flare-ups.
Learn more about our Wet Wrap Therapy Guide or explore our Wet Wrap Collection if you're managing a more severe eczema flare.
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
When Should You Use Dry Wrap Therapy?
Dry wrap therapy is designed to help protect the skin barrier and lock in moisture between eczema flare-ups. Unlike wet wrap therapy, which is used for more severe, inflamed skin, dry wrapping is ideal for everyday eczema management and long-term skin barrier support.
Dry wrapping may be especially helpful if you:
- Have dry, itchy, or sensitive skin that needs extra hydration
- Scratch during the day or while sleeping
- Want to help keep moisturizers on the skin longer
- Are transitioning out of a severe flare after using wet wrap therapy
- Need comfortable, breathable clothing that protects irritated skin from friction
Many people incorporate dry wrap therapy into their daily routine by applying moisturizer after bathing and wearing therapeutic clothing for several hours or overnight.
When Should You Avoid Dry Wrap Therapy?
Dry wrap therapy is safe for most people with eczema, but it may not be the best option in every situation.
Avoid or pause dry wrapping if you have:
- Weeping or heavily oozing eczema that may benefit more from wet wrap therapy
- Signs of a skin infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever
- An allergic reaction to a fabric or skincare product
- Instructions from your healthcare provider not to cover the affected area
If your eczema is severe, painful, or not improving despite regular treatment, consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Tip: Dry wrapping is intended to support healthy skin, not replace medical treatment when eczema becomes infected or severe.
Common Dry Wrapping Mistakes
Dry wrap therapy is simple to incorporate into your routine, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you get the best results.
Applying Too Little Moisturizer
Dry wrapping works by helping your moisturizer stay on the skin longer. Applying clothing without moisturizing first won't provide the same skin barrier benefits.
Wearing Tight or Restrictive Clothing
Dry wrap garments should fit comfortably without squeezing the skin. Tight clothing can increase friction and irritation instead of reducing it.
Choosing Synthetic Fabrics
Rough or non-breathable fabrics can trap heat and sweat, which may worsen itching. Soft, breathable materials such as TENCEL™ and organic cotton are often better tolerated by sensitive skin.
Expecting Immediate Results
Dry wrapping works best when used consistently as part of your daily eczema routine. While some people notice improvements quickly, protecting and repairing the skin barrier often takes time.
Forgetting to Wash Garments Properly
Use a fragrance-free, eczema-friendly laundry detergent and avoid fabric softeners or scented dryer sheets that may leave irritating residues on clothing.
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 Simple Start 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.
Dry Wrapping FAQs
Can you dry wrap eczema without wet wrapping first?
Yes. Dry wrap therapy can be used on its own after applying a moisturizer to clean skin. Unlike wet wrap therapy, no damp layer is used. Dry wrapping is often preferred for maintaining skin hydration during the day, reducing friction from clothing, or supporting milder eczema between flare-ups.
What is the difference between wet wrap and dry wrap therapy?
Wet wrap therapy uses two layers: a damp layer against the skin followed by a dry outer layer. It is typically used during moderate to severe eczema flares to quickly rehydrate the skin and reduce itching.
Dry wrap therapy skips the damp layer. Instead, moisturizer is applied first, followed by breathable clothing or wraps. It is often used for ongoing eczema management, helping protect the skin barrier while keeping moisturizers in place.
How long should you wear a dry wrap?
Many people wear dry wraps for several hours or overnight, depending on comfort and the severity of their eczema. Lightweight, breathable fabrics help prevent overheating and allow the skin to stay comfortable while moisturizers absorb. If you experience increased irritation, remove the garment and speak with your healthcare provider.
What clothing works best for dry wrap therapy?
Soft, breathable fabrics such as TENCEL™, organic cotton, silk, and bamboo are commonly used for dry wrap therapy. Look for garments that fit closely without being tight, have flat seams, and avoid rough fabrics like wool or synthetic materials that may increase irritation.
Can adults use dry wrap therapy?
Absolutely. Dry wrap therapy can benefit babies, children, and adults with eczema. Adults often use it overnight after moisturizing or during the day underneath regular clothing to help reduce itching, protect sensitive skin, and improve comfort.
Should you moisturize before dry wrapping?
Yes. Moisturizer should always be applied before putting on your dry wrap clothing. Applying a cream, balm, or oil immediately after bathing or washing helps lock moisture into the skin. The dry wrap then helps keep the moisturizer in place while protecting the skin from scratching and friction.
