People should only use wet wrapping for a few days at a time, otherwise, the skin can break down. Wet wrap therapy can lead to systemic absorption of steroid medications and increase the risk of steroid side effects.
One 2021 study found that the corticosteroid betamethasone 0.1% valerate cream, applied during wet wrap treatment, may lead to adrenal suppression.
Adrenal suppression can occur with topical corticosteroids due to absorption through the skin. During this study, adrenal suppression was generally temporary, often resolving even with ongoing topical steroid use.