The development of new textiles offers an exciting way to improve treatment of itchy skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, other forms of eczema and psoriasis. New synthetic fabrics combine anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, moisture-wicking, and soothing properties that may augment conventional management strategies such as topical steroids and emollients. Over the last few years, customers’ desire for comfort, hygiene, and well-being has created an increasing demand for such clothing [1].
Remedywear™ is a specialized fabric created from a combination of two eco-friendly natural fibers, TENCEL™ and Smartcel™ Sensitive, with a small amount of latex-free elastane to add stretch. The fiber component of both TENCEL™ and Smartcel™ Sensitive is lyocell – a.natural fiber made with cellulose that is extracted from wood pulp in an eco-friendly manner. Lyocell fibers are round, resulting in a smooth and soft feel.2 In a randomized controlled study of 30 patients with atopic dermatitis, Lyocell clothing and bedding was subjectively preferred to cotton for its softness (p=0.0001), temperature regulation (p=0.0039), moisture control (p=0.0003), and wrinkle resistance (p=0.0124) after 1 week of use [2].
An important component of Remedywear™ is Smartcel™ Sensitive – a lyocell–based fabric that is embedded with zinc particles that stay in place even after numerous washes. In addition to being a physical UV blocker, zinc oxide has been shown to exhibit high antioxidant capacity against ROS and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae in vitro [3]. Thus, the zinc particles incorporated into textiles prevent bacterial growth and odor formation [4].
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Fabric composition for Remedywear™ clothing, bands and gloves:
- 75% lycocell/TENCEL™
- 19% Smartcel™ Sensitive (lyocell/TENCEL™ + zinc)
- 6% Recycled Elastane*
*We change the composition slightly for our socks to accommodate recycled polyester fibers.
Zinc oxide is an essential nutrient for humans as well as bacteria, but in high doses, zinc ions can cause a series of negative events in bacterial cells. The mechanism of destruction is very different from cations, which break the cell wall and membrane so that the walls fall apart and the cell collapses. The zinc particles incorporated into textiles prevent bacterial growth and odors [2].
Adding zinc to our clothing has a number of benefits:
- Protection against bacteria and odor causing microorganisms.
- Embedded anti-inflammatory properties.
- Safeguard textiles from deterioration, discoloration and staining.
Remedywear™ was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™.
Comfort
Use of Remedywear can significantly improve quality of life in patients who have AD, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin, or other itchy skin conditions. As shown in the Figure above, TENCEL® is smoother than traditional fabrics (e.g. cotton and wool), which helps prevent irritation to the skin and promotes comfort. A recent pilot trial consisting of 12 adult subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis found a rapid improvement in the severity of the patients’ disease, pruritus (itch), and subjective sleep quality after 3 nights of wearing TENCEL® /Smartcel™ Sensitive trousers and long sleeve shirts [3].
Safety
Studies also demonstrate that the zinc in Smartcel™ Sensitive does not penetrate the skin into the bloodstream and is safe for use in adults, children and infants with eczema and atopic dermatitis who have dysfunctional skin barriers [3].
Hypoallergenic
Remedywear™ garments are free of latex, nylon, nickel, disperse dyes and phenylenediamene, a chemical responsible for allergies to blue and black dye. The fabric, thread and dyes used in Remedywear™ have all received an Okeo Tex 100 certification. The Okeo TEX 100 certifies that a fabric is safe to use on delicate and allergy prone skin, including newborns and infants.
Moisture Wicking
Our Remedywear fabrics TENCEL™ and Smartcel™ Sensitive are made of lyocell, which is composed of nanofribrils—very, very small fibers—which are spun together. These fibers are hydrophilic, meaning they “love water,” conferring Remedywear with excellent moisture wicking capacity and breathability. The Figure below demonstrates the moisture-wicking capacity of TENCEL fibers.™ This is especially important for eczema and AD patients who often become irritated due to sweat accumulation in problem areas such as the elbow and knee folds. By effectively wicking away moisture, Remedywear can eliminate the root cause behind this issue and provide sustained relief throughout the day.
Recommended Use
Remedywear™ garments work well dry, no need for messy wet wrapping. We recommend patients first apply a generous layer of emollient on dry skin and then cover with Remedywear™ clothing, like these Long Sleeve Tops for Kids. The clothing can be worn overnight as a pajama or during the day with another item of clothing over top.
For more intense moisture therapy, patients can take a luke warm bath beforehand, apply emollients to slightly damp skin and then cover with our clothing. Our garments can be worn damp as well.
Please contact us with your questions regarding any of these beneficial claims.
References
[1] Morais DS, Guedes RM, Lopes MA. Antimicrobial Approaches for Textiles: From Research to Market. Materials (Basel). 2016;9(6).
[2] Love WE, Nedorost ST. Fabric preferences of atopic dermatitis patients. Dermatitis. 2009;20(1):29-33.
[3] Wiegand C, Hipler UC, Boldt S, Strehle J, Wollina U. Skin-protective effects of a zinc oxide-functionalized textile and its relevance for atopic dermatitis. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2013;6:115-121.
[4] Ramachandran. Aa. Preparation, Characterization, and Functional Analysis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Coated Single Jersey Cotton Fabric. 2012.