Healing Eczema Book

Silver-Coated Textiles in the Therapy of Atopic Eczema

Gauger A. Hipler U.-C., Elsner P (eds): Biofunctional Textiles and the Skin. Curr Probl Dermatol. Basel, Karger, 2006, vol 33, pp 152-164 (DOI: 10.1159/000093942). Medline Abstract (ID 16766887)

Atopic skin is mainly determined by a disrupted skin barrier, resulting in a higher susceptibility to external irritants in affected and nonaffected skin. Apart from many other irritant and allergic influences, skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major factors triggering and maintaining atopic eczema (AE). Adequate textile protection with low irritant potential can be helpful in reducing the exposure to exogenous trigger factors. Until now, cotton fabrics have been the state of the art of recommended textiles for patients with AE. The combination of antimicrobial therapy with compatible textiles in terms of biofunctionality is a promising innovative approach. The antibacterial effect of silver-coated textiles on S. aureus colonization has been demonstrated in an open side-to-side comparison. Silver-coated textiles were able to reduce S. aureus density significantly after 2 days of wearing, lasting until the end of treatment (day 7) and even 1 week after removal of the textiles. In addition, there was a significant difference in S. aureus density comparing silver-coated with cotton textiles. In addition, the clinical efficacy and functionality of silver-coated textiles in generalized AE have been examined in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were able to improve objective and subjective symptoms of AE significantly within 2 weeks, showing a good wearing comfort and functionality comparable to cotton without measurable side effects. These therapeutic effects led to a significantly lower impairment of quality of life, already after 2 weeks. Therefore, beside a potent antibacterial activity in vivo, silver-coated textiles demonstrate a high efficacy in reducing the clinical severity of AE showing a wearing comfort comparable to cotton.

© 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel. Reported by the National Institute of Health that s ilver-coated textiles reduce Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients with atopic eczema.

Whatever feels good on your skin, wear it. I like soft, smooth, combed cotton and silky feeling material. When it's hot, cotton is nice to absorb sweat so it doesn't burn. If you feel like a certain cotton is absorbing too much moisture, try a thinner cotton.

Satin

A fabric that repels moisture and oils that is hypoallergenic would be better in cooler weather. I looked for a fabric that would feel good on skin. I wanted something very smooth and slippery that wouldn't absorb the moisture or oils from my skin or make me feel itchy. I discovered that a nylon jacket (turned inside-out) was so comfortable for my skin that I didn't want to take it off. (Others felt that way when I shared the discovery with them.) Hopefully you have a smooth nylon jogging suit you can turn inside-out to see what I mean.

So, you might like to try wearing nylon next to the skin when the air is dry and where people aren't sweating from the heat.

Wool can be itchy. Lanolin comes from wool. Some people wear flock lined gloves, and there can be wool in flock. If it doesn't make you feel itchy, don't worry about it.
I and others with eczema have also noticed that acrylic sweaters make us feel itchy. A chemist friend of mine says it's a very hairy fiber, and that's why it can feel itchy.
Regarding polyester, it is known for its oil-absorbing quality. There is a kitchen utensil that looks like a mop made of polyester that is used to absorb oil from the top of spaghetti sauce. However, if the fabric feels soft, smooth and silky, just where what feels good. (smiles)
Elastic and rubber can also aggravate eczema, but it just depends on what one is sensitive to.

Some people don't use soap to wash their clothes; water is a cleanser. Some use pure baking soda. If you use laundry soap, use a brand that's "Free and Clear" or "For Sensitive Skin" and use a little less than recommended ... try running it through an extra rinse cycle. You can add 1 cup of white vinegar during the 1st rinse cycle and before the 2nd rinse cycle to help remove soap residue. Here's another site that's helpful: http://www.solveeczema.org/

Hydrogen peroxide bubbles the blood right out of clothing without discoloring fabric, but test first just for the sake of it.

Clothing and Eczema