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A randomised study of "wet wraps" versus conventional treatment for atopic eczema
D Hindley1, G Galloway, J Murray
1Department of Paediatrics, Fairfield General Hospital, Bury, UK. dthindley@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Wet wrap bandages and conventional ointments both improve atopic eczema in children. However, wet wraps led to more skin infections and were harder for caregivers to apply.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Atopic eczema is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children.
- Current treatments include topical ointments and wet wrap therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of wet wrap bandages versus conventional topical ointments for treating moderate to severe atopic eczema in children.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 50 children aged 4-27 months with moderate to severe atopic eczema.
- Eczema severity was assessed using the SCORAD scale over a four-week period.
- A blinded research nurse evaluated eczema severity changes.
Main Results:
- Both treatment groups showed improvement in SCORAD scores.
- No significant difference in overall improvement or timescale of improvement was observed between groups.
- The wet wrap group experienced a significantly higher incidence of skin infections requiring antibiotics.
- Caregivers found wet wraps more difficult to apply than conventional treatments.
Conclusions:
- While both treatments are effective in improving atopic eczema, wet wrap therapy is associated with an increased risk of skin infections and lower ease of application.
- Conventional topical ointments may be preferred due to a better safety profile and ease of use in pediatric atopic eczema management.
Aims:
To compare two treatments in common usage for children with atopic eczema: "wet wrap" bandages versus conventional topically applied ointments.
Methods:
A total of 50 children (age 4-27 months) with moderate to severe eczema were randomised to one or other treatment. Two research nurses supervised the study. The first gave advice and support, and the second, blinded to the treatment modality being used, scored the change in eczema severity over a period of four weeks using the SCORAD eczema severity scale.
Results:
Both treatments gave a benefit in overall SCORAD scores (mean change for wet wrap group was 53 to 24; for the conventional group, 41 to 17). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of overall improvement at four weeks or in the timescale of improvements. The amount of topical of topical steroid used was similar in both groups. The wet wrap group suffered significantly more skin infections requiring antibiotics. Carers reported that wet wraps were less easy to apply than conventional treatment.
