Cost-Effective, Custom-Designed Wet Wrap Garments for Children: Experience at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

Abstract

Wet wrap therapy is a well-known, effective short-term treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The traditional wet wrap technique involves application of a corticosteroid ointment and emollient followed by a 2-layer mummy-style wrap using roll gauze and vinyl wrap.  However, this method is time consuming and labor intensive.  On the other hand, commercially-available eczema clothing are expensive. Ordering difficulties and barriers to maintaining a bulk supply resulted in frequent stock depletion, leaving patients and staff no choices other than roll gauze and vinyl wrap. With a grant from the Cardinal Glennon Foundation we designed cost-effective, allergen-free wet wrap garments for pediatric patients. The inner layer garments were made from white cotton, chosen for its natural abundance, folding endurance, conduction of heat, cost effectiveness and low allergenicity risk. Nylon was used for the outer layer, chosen for its light weight and moisture retention. All the garments were made without dye, metal, elastic or other allergens. Plain cotton strings were used to secure the waist. The garments were half the cost of branded eczema clothing, based on internal online market research.Hospital staff members involved in directly providing wet wrap treatments have appreciated these garments for ease of use, patient comfort, and durable supply. Future Quality Assessment and Quality Improvement studies to compare the advantages of this treatment with traditional wraps will allow better evaluation of this custom designed clothing