Psoriasis treatment with moisture-retentive bandages: Efficacy and application methods
In the ongoing quest for effective treatments for psoriasis, wet wrap therapy has emerged as a promising solution. This treatment, commonly known for its benefits in managing eczema, also offers significant advantages for those suffering from psoriasis.
Wet wrap therapy works by rehydrating and calming inflamed skin, reducing itching, and enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of topical medications. It aids in decreasing inflammation and soothing psoriasis plaques, thereby improving skin barrier repair.
The application process for wet wraps at home involves several steps:
- Begin with clean skin, gently washing and patting the affected area dry.
- Apply prescribed topical treatments, such as corticosteroids or moisturizers, thoroughly.
- Soak a cotton or soft fabric layer in lukewarm water and wring out excess water to keep it damp but not dripping.
- Wrap the damp fabric layer snugly but comfortably around the treated skin.
- Cover this damp layer with a dry layer, such as dry cotton or plastic wrap, to hold moisture and increase treatment efficacy.
- Leave the wet wrap on for several hours or overnight, as recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Remove the wraps carefully, allowing the skin to air dry before reapplying treatments if needed.
The cooling effect of the moisture from the wet layer reduces itchiness and inflammation, while enhancing the penetration of topical medications, leading to improved treatment outcomes. Proper application technique is crucial to prevent discomfort or skin issues, so following instructions from healthcare providers or reliable sources is essential.
While the information on wet wrap therapy is abundant for eczema, its mechanisms and benefits apply similarly to psoriasis management. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting wet wrap therapy for psoriasis to ensure safety and appropriate treatment choices.
Alternative materials for wet and dry layers include tubular bandages, gauze from a roll, a clean 100 percent cotton sock with the toe end cut off, clean white cotton clothing, and cotton gloves for treating skin on the hands. The NEA recommends wearing pajamas over the top of dry bandages to help keep them in place overnight.
Wet wraps can be bought online and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. However, it is important that the wet layer does not dry out completely, as this could cause further skin irritation. If the wet layer starts to feel dry in some areas, a person can spray it with water from a spray bottle to help keep it moist.
Wet-wrap treatment should last a maximum of several hours or overnight, as recommended by a doctor. People should also avoid applying wet wraps to areas of skin that are weeping or infected.
In addition to wet wrap therapy, medical treatments for psoriasis fall into three categories: topical, systemic, and phototherapeutic. Home remedies for managing psoriasis include applying an unscented emollient cream, exposing the skin to sunlight without burning it, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, including fish oil or omega-3 fats in the diet, including kefir or other probiotics in the diet, and including turmeric in the diet, which may help reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroid creams and ointments are available in different strengths, and these products can damage the skin. A person should never use a topical corticosteroid that a doctor has prescribed for someone else. After bathing in warm water, applying an emollient moisturizer to affected areas, allowing it to soak in for 15 minutes, applying a thin layer of topical steroid cream or ointment, and following the steps for wet wrap application can lead to improved psoriasis management.
- Wet wrap therapy can also provide significant benefits for individuals suffering from psoriasis, even though it is often associated with eczema treatment.
- Sensitive skin personas may find relief from itching and inflammation with the use of wet wrap therapy for psoriasis.
- The HST, or home healthcare service, can guide treatmentseekers on how to properly apply wet wraps for managing psoriasis at home.
- Moisturizers play a crucial role in wet wrap therapy, enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of topical treatments for psoriasis.
- Switchers, those who have tried multiple treatments for their medical-conditions, might consider wet wrap therapy as a new alternative in aiming for improved health-and-wellness.
- Psoriasis and eczema are two distinct skin-conditions, but similar mechanisms allow wet wrap therapy to be effective for both.
- Adhering to the recommended steps for wet wrap application is essential to ensure minimal discomfort or skin issues for psoriasis patients.
- The NEA, or National Eczema Association, provides recommendations for alternative materials to use for wet and dry layers in wet wrap therapy.
- Therapies-and-treatments like wet wrap therapy and home remedies supplement medical interventions in managing psoriasis, offering a holistic approach for treatment.
