Wet wrap therapy: new alternative for childhood eczema

July 10, 2014 by admin

Childhood eczema has become more prevalent in recent years, deserving attention and demanding alternate treatment options. Eczema is an inflammatory (and often allergic) skin condition, often coincident with asthma or hay fever. The consequent rashes may appear anywhere on the skin, but are most commonly seen on arms and knees.

Unfortunately, despite its growing incidence, there are limited therapies available for young children. All current treatment options are rather harsh and extreme for children, as most clinicians recommend moisturizers or topical steroids for mild cases and immunosuppressants or oral corticosteroids for severe cases. These therapies, while given a “safe” stamp of approval, have side effects that threaten a young child’s blood pressure, bones, and kidneys when used over a long period of time.

A new study conducted by researchers at National Jewish Health Denver, suggests “wet wrap therapy” may serve as a safe and even more effective treatment for childhood eczema than the current medicinal options. According to the Cleveland Clinic, eczema or atopic dermatitis cases have increased twofold to threefold since the 1970s. Dr. Mark Boguniewciz, pediatric allergist and immunologist at the National Jewish Health adds, “Eczema is not only a big problem in this country, but a huge global health problem.”…..To Read More…..