Eczema sleeves are specialized fabric tubes designed to cover the arms and legs of babies, children, and adults dealing with atopic dermatitis or eczema. Unlike regular clothing, they're purpose-built with specific materials and construction methods that address the unique challenges of eczema-prone skin.

Here's what makes them different from ordinary sleeves:

• Barrier-free seams: No internal stitching to irritate already-inflamed skin
• Extended coverage: They protect from fingertips (with built-in mittens) right up to shoulders or thighs
• Breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics: Materials chosen specifically for temperature regulation and minimal friction
• Dual-purpose design: Work both dry for daily wear and damp for wet-wrap therapy

The key difference between eczema sleeves and simply dressing your child in long sleeves? Intention. Every element—from the fabric weave to the absence of elastics—is designed to support healing, not just cover skin.

1. Breaking the Itch-Scratch Cycle

The most immediate function of eczema sleeves is mechanical: they create a physical barrier between fingernails and vulnerable skin.

The science behind this:

Research published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment demonstrates that even mild scratching perpetuates inflammation by releasing histamine and other itch-inducing compounds at the site. This creates what dermatologists call the "itch-scratch cycle"—a self-reinforcing loop where scratching triggers more itching.

Eczema sleeves interrupt this cycle in two ways:

Conscious scratch prevention: During waking hours, the sleeve provides a reminder not to scratch, adding a layer of fabric between impulse and action.

Unconscious protection: During sleep (when most damage occurs), built-in silk or bamboo mittens prevent nails from making direct contact with skin. The sleeve absorbs the scratching motion without allowing penetration.

According to a study from The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, children wearing protective sleeves overnight showed a 60% reduction in excoriation (scratch damage) compared to those without barriers.

2. Enhanced Hydration Through Moisture Retention

Eczema skin is chronically dehydrated. The compromised skin barrier allows trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) at rates up to 75 times higher than healthy skin, according to research from the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

How sleeves address this:

When worn over a thick layer of emollient or prescribed moisturizer, eczema sleeves act as an occlusive barrier—similar to how plastic wrap works in wet-wrap therapy, but breathable enough for extended wear.

The sleeve prevents three types of moisture loss:

1. Evaporation: Keeps emollients on the skin rather than dissipating into air
2. Transfer loss: Stops creams from rubbing off onto sheets, clothing, or furniture
3. Environmental dehydration: Protects against dry indoor air, especially during Australian winters when heating depletes humidity

A 2023 study in Pediatric Dermatology found that children using sleeves over moisturizer retained 40% more skin hydration after 8 hours compared to moisturizer alone.

3. Increased Medication Absorption and Effectiveness

Here's where eczema sleeves become a genuine treatment tool: they amplify the effectiveness of topical medications.

The mechanism:

Covering medicated skin creates a warmer, more humid microenvironment that increases blood flow to the surface. This enhanced circulation improves the penetration of active ingredients—whether that's a prescribed topical corticosteroid, a calcineurin inhibitor like Protopic, or a barrier repair cream.

Critical safety note: Because sleeves increase medication potency (studies show up to 10-fold increase in steroid absorption), you should never use them over potent topical steroids without explicit direction from your dermatologist or pediatrician. For mild-to-moderate steroids or non-steroidal treatments, sleeves are generally safe for overnight use, but always confirm with your healthcare provider first.

The National Eczema Association guidelines emphasize that wet-wrap therapy (sleeves dampened over medication) should only be implemented under medical supervision, particularly for children under 12 months.

4. Cooling and Soothing Inflamed Skin

Temperature regulation is often overlooked in eczema management, but research shows that overheating is one of the most common nighttime scratch triggers.

How sleeves provide cooling:

When used in wet-wrap therapy (more on this below), damp sleeves provide immediate cooling through evaporative heat loss. As the fabric gradually dries, it draws heat away from inflamed skin, reducing the burning sensation that drives nighttime scratching.

But even dry sleeves offer temperature benefits when made from the right materials. Bamboo viscose and TENCEL™, for example, have natural thermoregulating properties—they wick moisture away from the skin surface when your child is warm, and provide gentle insulation when cool.

A study from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne found that children with eczema who wore breathable, temperature-regulating sleepwear experienced 45% fewer nighttime awakenings compared to those in standard cotton.

Eczema sleeves work differently depending on whether they're used dry or damp. Understanding both methods helps you choose the right approach for your child's current needs.

Dry Wrapping (Daily Maintenance and Prevention)

When to use it: During stable periods, after flares have calmed, or as daily protection against environmental triggers

How it works:

1. After bath time, gently pat skin dry (leaving it slightly damp)
2. Apply a thick, generous layer of emollient or prescribed moisturizer
3. Immediately slide on dry eczema sleeves while the skin is still tacky with cream
4. The sleeve locks in the moisture and creates a protective barrier throughout the day or overnight

Why this matters: Dry wrapping is sustainable for long-term use. It prevents the micro-damage that happens from constant low-level scratching (even when there's no active flare), and it maintains the skin barrier's integrity between more intensive treatment periods.

Many Australian dermatologists recommend dry wrapping as a nightly routine during spring and summer when pollen and dust mite exposure peaks.

Wet Wrapping (Intensive Flare Management)

When to use it: During moderate to severe flares when skin is intensely inflamed, weeping, or causing significant sleep disruption

How it works (the dual-layer method):

Step 1 - Prepare the skin:

• Run a lukewarm (not hot) bath—around 32-34°C
• Soak for 15-20 minutes to hydrate the stratum corneum
• Pat skin gently, leaving it damp but not dripping
• Apply prescribed topical medications or thick emollient

Step 2 - Apply the damp layer:

• Dampen the sleeve with warm water and gently wring out excess
• Slide onto affected limbs over the medicated or moisturized skin
• The fabric should feel damp to touch but not soaking wet

Step 3 - Add the dry layer:

• Place a dry sleeve or loose bamboo pajamas over the damp layer
• This outer layer traps the moisture close to skin and prevents dampness from evaporating too quickly

Duration: Wet wraps are typically left on for 2-4 hours during daytime naps or overnight (6-8 hours). For young babies, shorter durations (2-3 hours) are often recommended to prevent overcooling.

Expected sensation: As the inner layer gradually dries, your child should experience a gentle cooling effect—this is the therapeutic benefit. The skin underneath will feel hydrated, soft, and noticeably less hot to touch.

The effectiveness of eczema sleeves depends heavily on the fabric they're made from. Here's what Australian dermatologists and the National Eczema Society recommend:

TENCEL™ (Lyocell)

Often considered the gold standard for eczema sleeves, TENCEL™ is derived from eucalyptus wood pulp in a closed-loop production process.

Why it works:

• Exceptionally smooth fiber structure (smoother than silk) minimizes friction
• Superior moisture-wicking keeps skin dry without feeling synthetic
• Naturally antibacterial, reducing the risk of secondary infection
• Some versions are infused with zinc oxide for additional anti-inflammatory benefits

Best for: Severe eczema, wet-wrap therapy, children prone to secondary infections

Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo has become increasingly popular in Australian eczema communities, and for good reason.

Why it works:

• Naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial
• Highly absorbent (up to 3 times more than cotton), making it ideal for wet-wrapping
• Thermoregulating properties help prevent overheating
• Soft, gentle drape reduces friction against inflamed skin

Best for: Everyday wear, nighttime protection, Australian climate (handles humidity and temperature fluctuations well)

Our bamboo eczema sleeves are specifically designed with 100% silk mittens to provide that perfect combination of breathability and gentle scratch protection.

100% Organic Cotton

A reliable, affordable option that many families start with.

Why it works:

• Breathable and soft when it's high-quality, long-fiber cotton
• Easy to wash and durable for daily use
• Widely available and cost-effective
• Free from chemical treatments when certified organic

Limitations: Less effective at moisture-wicking than bamboo or TENCEL™, and can sometimes feel rough against very inflamed skin if the weave isn't fine enough.

Best for: Mild eczema, families on a budget, daytime protection

Silk (Often Used in Mitten Sections)

Pure silk creates the smoothest possible surface against skin.

Why it works:

• Ultra-low friction coefficient prevents abrasion
• Naturally temperature-regulating
• Lightweight and gentle even on weeping eczema

Limitations: Requires delicate washing, more expensive, and can be less durable than other options

Best for: Mitten sections (like in our sleeves), facial eczema wraps, children with extreme sensitivity

What to Avoid

Synthetic fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and acrylic trap heat and moisture against the skin, creating the perfect environment for bacterial overgrowth and irritation.

Wool: While soft wool (like merino) can work for some people, it's a known trigger for many children with eczema due to the lanolin content and fiber structure.

Fabrics with elastics or tight bands: These create pressure points and restrict circulation, worsening inflammation at the edges.

Use dry sleeves for:

• Daily maintenance during stable periods
• After moisturizing before bed
• Protection from environmental triggers (dust, pollen, pet dander)
• Preventing scratch damage during car rides, stroller time, or independent play
• Keeping emollients on skin rather than on furniture

Use wet-wrap therapy (damp sleeves) for:

• Moderate to severe flares that aren't responding to moisturizer alone
• Intensely inflamed, red, or weeping eczema
• When sleep is significantly disrupted by scratching
• As a "rescue" treatment during pollen season or after trigger exposure
• Under medical guidance when using topical medications

Important: The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne guidelines recommend that wet-wrap therapy be used as a short-term intervention (3-7 days during acute flares), not as a long-term daily routine. Overuse can sometimes lead to skin maceration or interfere with the natural skin barrier development.

We've worked with thousands of Australian families managing infant and childhood eczema over the past 14 years, and the feedback on properly-used eczema sleeves is consistently powerful:

From parents:

• "The first full night of sleep in 6 months"
• "Skin that actually had a chance to heal instead of being re-damaged every night"
• "Finally being able to put cream on without it ending up on the cot sheets within an hour"

From dermatologists:

• Reduced need for escalating to stronger steroid prescriptions
• Faster clearing of moderate flares when wet-wrapping is implemented correctly
• Better treatment compliance (children more willing to use topicals when they're held in place comfortably)

A 2024 survey of Australian pediatric dermatologists found that 89% recommend eczema sleeves as part of first-line eczema management, particularly for children under 5.