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If you have atopic dermatitis, you’ll probably have noticed how certain types of material can irritate your skin in different ways.
And this doesn’t just apply to the clothes you wear but even to your choice of bedding.
However, while it won’t address the underlying causes of your AD, one thing you can do straight away is identify those fabrics that can trigger your AD flare-ups and instead choose materials that will be much kinder to your skin.
The fact is, rough fibres of certain fabrics can aggravate your symptoms.1
This can lead to allergic reactions that cause the all-too-familiar itch-scratch cycle that can impact your quality of life, disturbing your sleep and making you feel self-conscious when you’re out and about.2-4
And, of course, some fabrics can also make you sweat more, making things even worse.1 When you sweat, moisture evaporates to cool you down.5
The downside of this is that your skin can dry out, leaving a salty residue that creates the itch.5 What’s more, changes in the nature of the sweat can disrupt the skin barrier and allergens can then enter the body, resulting in inflammation and making your AD worse.6
Identifying the certain kinds of fabric and dye that irritate your skin may help to reduce the number of flares and help you better manage your AD symptoms.1 But don’t forget that this may just be a ‘sticking plaster’ solution rather than dealing with the underlying causes. Fabrics you may want to keep an eye out for include:
It’s a good idea to experiment to see which materials you’re most comfortable with.
The good news is, there are some materials that you may find gentler on your skin than others. And it might be stating the obvious, but it could be a good idea to wear your clothing in a looser, more comfortable style.
You’ve probably already noticed that light, breathable cotton can be kinder to your skin than synthetic fibres.1 Cotton is great at absorbing moisture too, while its natural fibres can minimise irritation.1
You might want to try a few pairs of cotton gloves to slip on when you’re doing the housework.7
How can cotton gloves help with eczema or AD?
If you’re doing a dry job like folding laundry, they can protect your hands from irritation.7 And, if you’re using a hand cream, cotton gloves can keep your skin moisturised as well as adding a bit of style to washday!8
If you have AD, there’s no reason why you can’t have a little luxury in your life with a touch of silk.
Silk is another natural material that can make your skin feel more comfortable.1 Being so smooth, it creates very little friction and keeps your body temperature stable, reducing sweating and the consequent moisture loss that can cause or aggravate dry skin.1
But what do you wear in the depths of winter when you need to wrap up warm, but cotton or silk alone won't keep the cold at bay?
Try merino wool. As well as having a lovely luxurious feel, it can also be kinder to your skin if you’ve got AD, even when compared with cotton.9
Unlike the coarser fibres of normal wool, merino fibres are very fine, soft, retain heat, and can help to reduce irritation, as well as taking your fashion standards to the next level!9
Remember us saying synthetic fabrics might be something to avoid?
Well, there is one exception to that particular rule.
Semi-synthetic viscose, made from a blend of natural tree fibres and chemicals, is a great substitute for silk, with a smooth feel that’s equally kind to the skin.10
That’s right. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Bamboo.
Bamboo is actually the plant from which viscose can come from, so is sometimes known as bamboo viscose.10
Bamboo clothing can be beneficial for your AD with its antibacterial properties and ability to regulate body temperature.11
Whether you have AD yourself, or you’re caring for a child with AD, there are a few things you can do in washing and maintaining the fabrics you use to ease the discomfort:
Try washing any new clothing or bedding before it’s first used with a pH-balanced laundry detergent2,12
If you’re washing clothes and bedding for a child with AD, make sure you wash things like plush toys and towels as well2
If your child has AD, it's advisable to keep their clothes apart from yours and wash all clothes, bedding, and towels separately2
There’s no hard and fast rule for detergents. Everyone reacts differently, with some people experiencing AD symptoms as the immune system’s overreaction to a particular scent.2,12 So finding a detergent that works for you or your child can very much be a case of trial and error.2
But don’t forget that you’ll need to talk to your dermatologist about a proactive approach to managing your AD, to help you achieve long-term control.
Have you ever wondered what causes your AD? It might be time to think about it from a new perspective.
Discover moreLets take an in-depth look at the signs and symptoms of AD. Learn how they appear on adults and children, and on different skin tones.
Find out moreYour AD can change with the seasons. So come rain or shine, it's good to understand the impact the seasons have.
Find out moreRicci G et al. Curr Probl Dermatol 2006; 33:127–143.
National Eczema Association. Laundry Care for People with Eczema. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/laundry-care-for-people-eczema/. Accessed: July 2021.
Zuberbier T et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2006; 118(1):226–232.
National Eczema Association. Atopic Dermatitis. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/. Accessed: July 2021.
National Eczema Association. How to exercise safely with eczema. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/exercising-eczema/. Accessed; July 2021.
Murota H et al. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28(12):1416–1421.
National Eczema Association. Protect Your Hands at Home. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/protecting-your-hands-at-home/. Accessed: July 2021.
NHS UK. Protection for hand eczema. Available at: https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/12496Peczema.pdf. Accessed: July 2021.
Fowler JF et al. Dermatitis 2019; 30(3):198–206.
MasterClass. Fabric Guide: What Is Viscose? Understanding Viscose Fabric and How Viscose Is Made. Available at: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fabric-guide-what-is-viscose-understanding-viscose-fabric-and-how-viscose-is-made/. Accessed: July 2021.
National Eczema Society. Clothing and eczema. Available at: https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/clothing-and-eczema/. Accessed: July 2021.
National Eczema Association. Changing Our Laundry Routine Helped My Son’s Eczema. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/laundry-change/. Accessed: July 2021.