Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a prolonged skin condition described as persistent itching and scratching along with rashes on the skin. Finding suitable clothing makes a big difference in the quality of life of eczema patients and loved ones. As you may have experienced, a particular fabric makes skin itchier than others.
Many people with eczema avoid wool and synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon. These certain fabrics cause overheating, irritation and sweating. It sets off the dreaded itch. Rough seams, fibers, threads, and fastening can also cause complications for sensitive skin. Your choice of fabric can make a substantial difference to how relaxed you feel.
Some common guidelines for eczema clothe include:
- Fabrics that are lightweight so it will ventilate air and keep the skin “breathe”
- Since sweat and heat are triggers for AD, fabrics with the absorbent component are important. The fabric absorbs heat quickly and thus removes it from the skin surface.
Which clothing materials are the most eczema-friendly?
These are the best materials to look for when it comes to selecting clothes. Bare in mind it does depend on your sensitivity and it is highly recommended to get a patch test to see if you are compatible with the material.
- Cotton is one of the best and commonly endorsed clothes for Eczema suffers. It is easily washable so you don’t need to worry about it going in to the washing machine! Do note that it is recommended to get 100% pure cotton, check your clothing labels for more information. Look out for the blends of polyester. Cotton is also very cooling and soft which is great for your skin!
- Bamboo is another material that you may not of thought of before! Cotton is the most popular fabric out there for clothing, but bamboo is also a superb choice. It is another cooling and breathable fabric that is actually more absorbent than cotton! It is adaptive as well, with it being able to stay cool for the summer and warm for the winter. Being able to regulate your temperature is highly effective when it comes to managing your skin. It should be noted that the fabric is usually described as ‘bamboo viscose’ which is not very ecologically friendly.
- Silk is an option I tried out when on a visit to Thailand many years ago! Just like the other two fabrics mentioned, it is a soft and breathable fabric that can regulate body temperature. More often than not, most eczema sufferers try out silk for their bedding as well! I had a good experience with silk but it can get messy with cream (becoming very slippery!). Silk is not common in many places around the world, but a must try if you have the option.
In short, go for clothes are 100% cotton. Carefully read the labels to check if it is not a blend of cotton and polyester. If you are still getting bad flare ups, then consider looking at your washing detergent or look at getting a patch test.
Some other Clothing Tips for Eczema Patients
Be Choosy With Variety of Fabrics
Some fabrics set off flares, because they trap heat (polyester), or infuriate skin (wool). Stick to 100% bamboo, cotton, or silk fabric as you build your wardrobe.
Keep Fabric Cool
When environmental temps are high, be sure your clothes will not overheat you. Sweating is the most common reason for the itch-and-scratch cycle of eczema. Dress in layers so you can put back or take off as the day cool or heat up. Choose lightweight textiles that let the skin breathe.
Loosen Up
Tight clothes are trigger flare. A patient with eczema should wear clothes that fit you well, eczema patient should avoid too much friction, and have space to move with you especially during the workout so your skin is not under pressure.
A Good Wash before Wearing
Do you love the odor of a just-bought frock? Though, your skin may not. New clothes have chemicals such as formaldehyde and flame retardants leftover from the industrial process. Give your dress a good wash before their display.
Skip the Extras
Remove itchy tags from cover seams and clothes that irritate skin with a strip of silk. Before you purchase, check for trim, buttons necklines, or other factors that might bother you the wrong way.
Dress Well for Workouts
Gear that twitches moisture away from your skin. A comfy fabric can help keep sweat from infuriating you. But it can also feel scratchy, so be choosy with fabric. Make sure the outfit you wear doesn’t have bands or cuffs that will set off a reaction, as well.
When I go to the gym, I always wear loose clothing and make sure that my skin does not get irritated with the fabric. Remember, working out you don’t always need to look good!
Wash Smart
When it comes to cleaners, dyes and fragrances are not your friends. Check to make sure your laundry aids. Softeners, soaps, dryer sheets are free of chemical additives and safe for sensitive skin.
It took me a while to find the right detergents and softeners that are compatible with my skin. It will take time, trial and error!
Avoid Powder Soaps
Liquid detergent dissolves more easily in water, which means it is less likely to stick around the clothes after you wash them. You can use less detergent while washing than the bottle says you need and still get a smart cleaning.
I can’t stress how much this has improved my routine. Powder can easily be contaminated because of the packaging, but with liquid detergent it is always sealed shut. Try it out!
Do an Extra Rinse
For a sense of satisfaction, run your outfit through an added rinse cycle after you have washed it to be sure all the liquid detergent is rinsed out.
Dry Clothes Inside
Clotheslines are sustainable, but outside allergens/spores can stick onto clothes as they dry in the open air and irritate your skin later on. Therefore, use a dryer or find a place to string up your drying line inside.
Conclusion
Atopic Dermatitis makes skin extra sensitive to anything irritating including the textile of your clothing. Medical experts generally insist on looking for outfits with natural fibers. Therefore cotton or silk consider as best eczema clothes. Natural fabric does not cause irritation to the skin for most people. However, it is possible e these fabrics would not work for everyone.
While expert continues to search for which fabric works best for eczema patients, most people with atopic dermatitis use a trial and error method. Make note of which textile irritates your skin, and avoid them whenever possible, especially eczema symptoms are at the worst.
From my personal experience, finding the right detergent and clothing material is key to the success of containing Eczema. It may take a lot of trial and error (maybe including a patch test) but once you have found the right consistency, you will notice great improvements in your skin!