In preparation for dry wraps, we prepare a mixture of Ichthammol paste and moisturizer. Ichthammol paste is thick, brown (usually the color of sand, although sometimes the color of chocolate depending on the pharmacist) and smells faintly of tar. The moisturizer we use is a mixture of 50% liquid paraffin/50% white soft paraffin. By mixing the two of these together we are able to get a substance of a consistency which is easy to spread on Kieran's skin. In addition, we also pre-cut one bandage to cover Kieran's torso.

After Kieran's bath, he is covered with a layer of moisturizer. Specifically, we use the 50/50 paraffin moisturizer mentioned above. It is a clear gel which turns to liquid upon contact with warm skin. (A bit like vegetable shortening, really.)

Next we treat Kieran's skin as appropriate with hydro cortisone ointment. We don't have to treat all of his skin every day, but there are always at least a few small patches that do need medicated.

Following the ointments, we then apply a thick layer of the ichthammol paste mixture that we prepared ahead of time.

Lastly come the bandages. Since the bandages are just dry (instead of a mixture of wet and dry) we are able to apply the arms and legs directly, cutting to fit as we go. As with the wet bandages, we use small pieces of bandage to attach the arm and leg bandages to his torso bandage.

Ichthammol paste wraps do a wonderful job of soothing the skin inflammation caused by Kieran's eczema. On the negative side, they are very drying for his skin.