Cotton clothing
It is now generally accepted that cotton clothing is kinder to the skin of eczema sufferers. The fibres in wool, nylon and other man-made fabrics tend to irritate the skin. Pure 100% cotton or a high cotton mix are now more widely available than in previous years and generally more affordable too.
Silk, another natural fibre, is also a good alternative to cotton. It is lightweight, breathable and can help to regulate body temperature; keeping the body warm in winter and cool in summer.
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It is better to buy garments that fit and are not too loose, especially underwear and night wear. In particular, babies and young children's skin can become irritated if there is too much room in, say a baby grow where skin comes into contact with skin (e.g. a baggy gusset leading to the legs touching). Choose clothing that can be boil washed, or washed at a minimum of 60 degrees. Dust mites and their allergens that get into night wear, for example, will be destroyed. |
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 10 March 2011
Next Review Date: 29 September 2013
