Fabric Selection in Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Clothing fabrics significantly influence the skin's microenvironment.
• Cotton and silk are traditionally recommended for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients due to comfort.
• Emerging synthetic fabrics offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties for AD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on fabric selection for atopic dermatitis patients.
• To evaluate traditional (cotton, wool, silk) and novel (coated, cellulosic) fabrics.
• To provide practical recommendations for clothing and bedding in AD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and EMBASE (1994-2020).
• Included clinical trials evaluating fabric as the primary agent.
• Excluded case reports, reviews, animal studies; focused on adult and pediatric AD patients.

Main Results:

• Superfine merino wool and antimicrobial finishes offer advantages over traditional fabrics.
• Cotton and silk show mixed results but are generally safe for AD.
• Silver, chitosan, and cellulose-based fabrics show potential for reducing AD severity and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Evidence for zinc oxide, acid-coated, and other novel fabrics is limited and requires further research.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate fabric selection is crucial for reducing atopic dermatitis symptom severity.
• Modern fabric technologies and specific material compositions can positively impact AD management.
• Further research is needed for several emerging fabric types to confirm efficacy.