DermaSilk fibres are knitted in an open weave which allows for better air flow than other fabrics including standard silk. This helps regulate temperature for comfort during warmer months or for those who sweat excessively. The cotton industry is not as sustainable as bamboo overall and the majority is manufactured using heavy pesticides. Silk is a protein fibre and so can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, which is a problem for eczematous skin as it can cause irritation. The antimicrobial shield is colourless and odourless, and it kills bacteria and fungi by puncturing and electrocuting it. There are lots of manufacturers selling organic cotton gloves for eczema, and although they can still come with ‘certified’ chemicals, they are generally better overall than non-organic.

Silk is another good regulator of body temperature that is also soft and breathable. As well as ordinary silk clothes, it’s possible to buy close-fitting silk garments specifically designed for people with eczema. These garments are usually worn underneath regular clothes. Ordinary silk clothes (as opposed to therapeutic garments) are less practical than cotton or bamboo: silk can’t be washed as easily and creams are more likely to mark it. Finding gloves that help relieve dryness and that don’t cause additional irritation might take some trial and error. Silk gloves may be a good choice to consider as they’re often loose and seamless and don’t have irritating elastics that can trigger a rash. Next on the list are the more well-known cotton gloves for eczema, and they’re probably the first thing that comes to mind to most parents completely drained from the constant battle of keeping their child comfortable.Medical grade silk, as used in stitches in surgical operations, is made from pure fibroin, the central core of the silk thread. This is because the sericin component of silk has been shown to be linked to some allergic reactions. DermaSilk has eliminated this risk by removing the sericin from their garments to give you pure, medical-grade, hypoallergenic silk. How Does the Antimicrobial Shield Work? The 50+ UPF rating is good for those who want to avoid the sun, however sunlight in moderation is said to deliver many important benefits to the immune system and skin of an individual. So, for this reason, I feel it is a con for eczema (unless light sensitive). *My opinion*

While not as cheap as cotton gloves for eczema, bamboo gloves are still reasonably priced and sit somewhere in the middle between other eczema glove types. Water resistant (while purported to still be breathable) and rugged so dirt, as well as other harmful irritants, have a real hard time getting past this barrier. Many people with eczema find that wool and synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, cause overheating, sweating and irritation, which set off the dreaded itch. Rough seams, fibres, fastenings and threads can also cause problems for sensitive skin. Your choice of clothing can make a considerable difference to how comfortable you feel. Which clothing materials are the most eczema-friendly? When your ointment du jour is applied to the hands, covering them with eczema gloves will not only help the cream sit on the skin for better and long lasting hydration, but it can also help keep it there instead of rubbing off during use. Bamboo, another soft, breathable material, is more absorbent than cotton, highly effective at regulating temperature (keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter) and has antibacterial

Silk Gloves For Eczema:

Your DermaSilk garments can be washed at 30°C provided they are placed in a net bag to protect the seams. In many parts of the UK, there are minerals in the water that can remain on the silk fibres after washing. In areas like this, your DermaSilk garment can be restored as follows: After every ten washes, soak your DermaSilk clothing in a solution of two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda per litre of water overnight, then wash as instructed. This method can also be used for stain removal. Technical Specifications If you think you may have an allergy to an environmental trigger, make sure to speak to a dermatologist to get tested for allergies. If you know what substances you’re allergic to, make sure to avoid them in any products that touch your skin, including gloves and lotion. In general, look for hypoallergenic gloves that aren’t made from any potentially triggering products. Gloves should be fragrance-free and made of natural ingredients. Bamboo itself is naturally pest-resistant so should come with little to no added pesticides or herbicides. Although you may have considered using eczema gloves only at home, using them outside may be beneficial in preventing sunburn and providing protection from UV radiation. Not all gloves protect against UV radiation — if the material is thin, translucent, or too breathable, sunlight may still be able to get in. When purchasing gloves, look for brands that specifically advertise UV protection. While most of the sources I found maintain that bamboo is stronger than cotton, some say that bamboo fabric is not as durable. This may be manufacturer specific, but I wanted to mention it here anyway.

One of the best ways to mitigate eczema symptoms with your clothing is to wear breathable fabrics. While cotton is the most recommended fabric for people with eczema and other dry skin rashes, silk and bamboo are also viable options to consider. Bamboo is just as soft as cotton, but it’s a little bit more absorbent and has some antibacterial properties. If you’re worried about getting sweaty, bamboo is the way to go. With silk, on the other hand, it’s possible to invest in tight-fitting silk garments designed specifically with eczema sufferers in mind. Keep in mind that silk is a bit harder to wash, though. As with all natural fibres, DermaSilk will last longer if 2 or more garments are rotated in use rather than a single garment being washed and worn continuously. Protex gloves are also another lesser known glove on the market, but because they are targeted at eczema (as well as many other conditions), I wanted to do a bit of digging and see just what they’re all about! Already infused with various natural and (hopefully) beneficial oils to help moisten the hands without applying a cream of your own. In short, it is convenient.Protection. This includes protection for your hands as well as the rest of your body because literally no place is safe as long as you can get at ‘em! Cutting the nails is important of course, but adding that extra layer of protection using eczema gloves adds yet another conscious and unconscious barrier. Figure 2: Microscopic Fiber Surfaces TENCEL is the only symmetrical, smooth, hollow fiber that is virtually friction-free against the human skin. Imagining such a hard and rugged plant against my fragile skin is legitimately unappealing to me, but it seems we are living in the future. Bamboo is now becoming the material of choice not only because of it's sustainability and eco-friendliness, but it makes a really, really comfortable fabric!

Boey said, The middle layer is where you can make your fashion statement. These garments should keep you warm, but should be comfortable enough in an indoor environment as well.

Will the Antimicrobial Shield Irritate My Skin?

Another member recommended putting Vaseline gel underneath cotton gloves. “Vaseline is great for sealing the skin, and it also prevents water evaporation from the skin’s surface,” they shared. “Using the aloe combined with the Vaseline is a brilliant and safe way to get relief. I use it at bedtime along with cotton gloves on my hands to trap in moisture.” Be wary of claims such as hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested, as these tests are conducted on adults and not children. DermaSilk clothing should preferably be hand washed using a mild non-biological (enzyme free) detergent, rinsed thoroughly and laid flat to dry on a towel