Evaluation of antimicrobial textiles for atopic dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Dermatology

Background:

• Functional textiles are explored as adjunctive treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD).
• Existing data on their antimicrobial properties and clinical efficacy are limited.
• This study investigates the durability of functional textile properties after repeated laundering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical and functional characteristics of 11 commercial functional textiles.
• To assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of these textiles after multiple laundering cycles.
• To determine the impact of laundering on fibre morphology and silver coating.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzed fibre morphology and silver coating before and after laundering.
• Bacterial colony-forming units (CFU) quantified initial bioburden.
• In vitro antimicrobial efficacy was tested before and after 30, 70, 100, 150, and 200 laundering cycles.

Main Results:

• Variable textile weights and significant damage to silver coatings were observed post-laundering.
• Silk textiles exhibited smoother fiber morphology than cotton.
• Most silver-infused textiles rapidly lost antimicrobial activity; silk and cotton products showed no effect even initially.

Conclusions:

• Lightweight, elastic textiles with smooth fibers enhance user comfort.
• Functional textiles that quickly lose antimicrobial efficacy are not recommended for AD patients.
• Future recommendations require in vitro testing (pre- and post-laundering) combined with clinical trial data.