Eczema Dry and Wet Wrapping: Why Tencel Fabric is Effective

By Anne McVey (bio below)
Wet and Dry wrap therapy for eczema have been around for decades but not until recently have they become the forefront of eczema treatment. This new surge in wrapping eczema is due to new fabrics entering the marketing that not only treat the eczema but also suppress the itch during treatment. Tencel fabric is the most researched and found most beneficial for eczema wrapping. This article discusses the features of Tencel and why it is so effective in treating and reducing inflammation.
What Is Tencel Fabric?
Tencel is a natural fiber made of renewable raw material wood. It is pure cellulose without any impurities. Tencel is eco-friendly and contains no dyes. The diagram below states the natural state of Tencel.
Why Is Tencel Beneficial for Eczema Dry or Wet Wrapping?
Tencel fabric greatly inhibits the growth of bacteria on the fabric. This feature is wonderful for eczema sufferers as many who battle eczema also battle skin infections.
Learn More: Wet Wrapping vs. Dry Wrapping
The diagram below shows how Tencel retards bacteria and this makes it wonderful for dry or wet wrapping eczema.
Soft fabrics are important for eczema suffers whose skin is usually very sensitive to fabrics that can rub and chafe the skin. Ideally, Tencel is one of the softest fabrics in the world – it stays soft even when used for wet wrapping when other fabrics often stiffen as they dry.
The diagram below shows how Tencel looks under a microscope versus cotton or wool. Cotton is rough especially when wet but Tencel remains soft and smooth.
Tencel is naturally itch suppressing. This is an amazing feature for individuals suffering from eczema. Many report immediate relief upon wearing Tencel even dry. Using Tencel for wet wrapping not only treats the skin but stops the itch during treatment. There is no other fabric available that soothes eczema like Tencel.
The diagram below reports research on the itch suppressing qualities of Tencel.
Wet wrap therapy can stop the itch, bring down inflammation and decrease staph bacteria found on the skin. Many report seeing a huge change overnight. Tencel not only makes the treatment effective but it also makes it extremely comfortable and soothing.
Perhaps the most important feature of Tencel for wet wrapping is its ability to hold water. Tencel holds 50% more moisture than cotton and it lowers the risk for infection. Take a look below at how Tencel and Cotton hold moisture as seen under a microscope.
Dr. Frank Lichtenberger, MD, PhD, Medical Director at AD RescueWear states:
“In summary, Tencel’s main features: naturally anti-itch, inhibiting bacteria on the fabric, holding 50% more moisture than cotton, and being one of the softest fabrics available, makes it ideal for wet wrap therapy for eczema. This fabric is also the least disruptive to the natural environment of the skin, which is very important when dealing with skin that has an impaired barrier function.”
Remedywear™ clothes for eczema has a full line of TENCEL plus antibacterial and anti-inflammatory zinc. A very powerful combination for beating eczema.
Remedywear was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™.
Learn how to wet wrap in a few easy steps!
Bio: Anne McVey is the marketing Director of AD RescueWear, the 1st and only U.S.company to manufacture and sell ready to wear wet wrap therapy products for the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in children.
FROM: Contributors, Eczema
Can you please tell me where I can buy these wraps in Cape Town South Africa
Sure! As far as I know, they are not available in physical stores anywhere. They are available only on line and I don’t believe there are any stores that carry them in South Africa. You can find them at The Eczema Company however, and have it shipped to South Africa.
I just wanted to say that I am raving fan of the body band sleeves. I swear by them for my son’s skin. When his skin starts to flare up, if I coat him with aquaphor and wet wrap him overnight for a couple of nights – his skin is transformed into new, beautiful, soft skin. Like magic! And I want to stress, that is WITHOUT using any steroids. Just the wet wraps with aquaphor. For bad flare ups, wet wrap with steroid ointment. We could not live without these.
That’s so great to hear Laurie!
Do you have finger-less gloves in this material??