Atopic dermatitis and silk: How can silk help relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, itching and dryness of the skin. The incidence of this disease is on the rise, especially in developed countries. Although atopic dermatitis is often associated with early childhood, it can occur at any age. Symptoms can be very severe and recurrent, causing a significant reduction in quality of life, including sleep disturbance, emotional distress and deterioration of social relationships. Because of this, patients with atopic dermatitis often require long-term treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent relapses.
Many atopic dermatitis patients use topical steroids to control symptoms, but these can cause side effects with long-term use. Many are therefore looking for alternative treatments. One such option is the use of silk clothing and other products. In this article, we look at the effects of silk on atopic dermatitis and refer to a scientific study on the use of silk in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Role of silk products in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
In atopic dermatitis, one of the causes of the exacerbation of symptoms is physical irritation caused by rough textile fibres. Normal fabrics, especially synthetic or rough textured fabrics, can aggravate itching and irritate already sensitive skin. Silk, known for its smoothness and softness, can provide relief.
Silk is made up of a very strong and smooth fibre with a rounded shape that prevents friction and irritation. This means, for example, that wearing silk pajamas or a bathrobe can help reduce itching and thus promote skin healing. In addition, silk is able to maintain moisture levels in the skin, thereby reducing dryness, one of the main symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Study results: silk and atopic dermatitis
The study "Effects of silk clothing on atopic dermatitis patients" was conducted in Taiwan and involved 30 atopic dermatitis patients who were asked to wear pure silk clothing for eight weeks. No additional medication was used throughout this period, and the effects of wearing silk were assessed using a variety of questionnaires, including skin condition, quality of life and sleep patterns.
Severity of dermatitis
During the study, patients' skin condition was assessed with the help of dermatologists. Wearing silk clothing was found to significantly reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms. While the severity of symptoms was high at the beginning of the study, after four weeks the redness, swelling and itching had already been significantly reduced. This suggests that silk helps to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Improved quality of life
Patients with atopic dermatitis often experience a reduced quality of life due to their condition, including sleep disturbances, problems with social relationships and emotional distress. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) used in the study showed that after two weeks of wearing silk clothing, patients' quality of life improved significantly. The improvement in quality of life continued throughout the eight-week study, indicating that wearing silk not only alleviates physical symptoms but also helps improve the overall well-being of the patient.
Improved sleep patterns
Atopic dermatitis also has a strong impact on a patient's sleep, as night-time itching and skin irritation can cause repeated awakenings and restless sleep. The results of the study showed that after two weeks, patients' sleep quality improved significantly. By the end of the eighth week, a significant improvement in sleep patterns had been achieved, which in turn contributed to overall recovery and well-being.
Antibacterial properties of silk
In addition to its smooth and soft surface, silk has antibacterial properties. In atopic dermatitis, it is common for the skin to be more susceptible to bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can aggravate skin inflammation and irritation. Silk is known to have natural properties that prevent bacteria from growing on the skin. This makes silk not only comfortable but also potentially protective, which can help prevent infections and support skin healing.
Advantages of silk compared to other materials
When comparing silk garments with ordinary cotton or synthetic fabrics, the main advantages of silk are its smooth surface and its gentle effect on the skin. Typically, synthetic materials such as polyester tend to increase perspiration and moisture build-up, which in turn can lead to an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis symptoms. Silk, on the other hand, helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance and allows the skin to breathe, helping to prevent excess moisture and perspiration. This makes silk an excellent choice for people with atopic dermatitis who are looking for non-pharmacological solutions to control their symptoms.
Silk as a non-steroidal treatment option
Patients in the study showed significant improvements in both physical and emotional well-being. Silk garments were able to provide relief without the need for steroids or other medications, making it a promising non-steroidal treatment option for patients with atopic dermatitis. As long-term use of steroids can cause unwanted side effects, silk offers a natural and safe alternative that is particularly suitable for long-term use.
Future directions of the study
While this study highlighted the many benefits of silk garments in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, further research is needed to confirm the wider applicability of these findings. The study involved 30 patients, which provides valuable preliminary information, but larger clinical trials would help to refine the results and provide further scientific confirmation of the efficacy of silk use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It would also be useful to study the use of silk in combination with other atopic dermatitis treatments to see how it works in combination with other approaches.
Summary
Atopic dermatitis is a condition that can significantly impair a patient's quality of life and often requires long-term treatment. Silk garments offer atopic dermatitis patients a natural and non-steroidal treatment option that helps relieve itching, inflammation and irritation. Research shows that silk garments can improve both physical well-being and emotional well-being by providing comfort and helping to restore skin balance. While further research is needed to confirm the effects of silk clothing in a larger patient population, its potential in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is promising and offers hope for those seeking alternative solutions to treat chronic skin conditions.
Silk's smooth texture, antibacterial properties and ability to maintain the skin's moisture balance make it an ideal choice for atopic dermatitis patients looking to improve their quality of life and reduce the severity of symptoms without the side effects of medication.