Triggers For Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups

Certain Fabrics

Since atopic dermatitis damages the skin's surface, patients with this condition may find they are more susceptible to irritation from certain fabrics used in clothing or bedding. For example, wearing itchy fabrics like wool can cause patients to begin scratching the skin, and this could trigger a flare-up that includes open sores, skin weeping, and cracking. Patients may also be sensitive to other fabrics, including synthetic fabrics such as rayon, polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic. Thus, doctors suggest patients avoid these fabrics altogether.

Since every patient is different, finding fabrics that do not cause irritation normally requires a bit of experimentation. Generally, fabrics such as cotton and silk are less likely to cause skin irritation for atopic dermatitis patients. However, some patients find cotton creates friction on their skin, and some cotton is dyed with a potentially irritating chemical. While silk is a natural fabric, it contains a protein known as sericin that could cause allergies for some individuals. For patients who cannot tolerate sericin, a type of silk known as Dermasilk could be beneficial. Dermasilk is a loosely knitted fabric specifically treated to remove the sericin, and an antimicrobial agent is bonded to the fabric. Patients with this condition may want to keep a journal of fabrics they have tried, noting any irritation that occurs.

Read more about what can trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups now.