Guide to Clothing Babies With Eczema and Other Skin Conditions

All babies have delicate skin, but if your baby has Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) or other skin conditions, you’ll need to take extra care to protect your precious little one.  Eczema has become increasingly common and causes dry, cracked skin, itchiness, bacterial infections, and redness from scratching. From infants to adults, choosing the right fabric for clothing and blankets can make a big difference to comfort Eczema symptoms, so here are some options you may want to consider.

Synthetics

Synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and rayon are best avoided as they can cause overheating and itchiness. Rough seams and fastening are also potential sources of irritation for sensitive skin.

Cotton

Traditionally, cotton has been the most recommended fabric for Eczema sufferers, as it allows the skin to breathe easily. It is widely available, soft, and easily washable, which can be a big plus for children, who often have a tendency to get messy and grow quickly! 100% cotton is better than polyester and cotton mixes (sometimes describes as ‘cotton rich’) because the synthetic fibres present can still cause discomfort. Unfortunately, even 100% cotton does have a tendency to absorb moisture and can irritate fragile skin if the wearer gets warm and sweats.

Silk

Another good choice for Eczema sufferers is silk, and not just because it feels great while looking good. Silk is naturally antibacterial, which reduces the risk of infection, and is a good fabric for regulating body temperature. Close-fitting silk undergarments can make a big difference to Eczema prone skin. Silk can also be used for outer garments too, but they are less practical as they are more difficult to wash and liable to be marked by the creams and lotions which are essential for dry skin.

Merino Wool

Wool has often been dismissed as scratchy and irritating for people with Eczema (and those without!) but several recent studies have shown that superfine merino wool is actually better than cotton for sensitive skin.

Merino wool is hypoallergenic and twice as fine as regular wool. Not only does it feel lovely and soft, but it is one of the most breathable fabrics commonly available. Wool is a hygroscopic fibre that absorbs moisture, without leaving the skin too dry. Merino wool can draw twice as much moisture away from the skin than cotton and 30 times more than polyester. This creates a protective barrier to preserve the temperature and humidity next to the skin. Keeping delicate skin at the optimum levels of moisture and temperature reduces itchiness and the subsequent risk of infection from scratching, whilst the naturally occurring lanolin in the wool also reduces the risk by preventing the build-up of bacteria.

A range of different studies has shown noticeable improvements in symptoms of Eczema for those wearing a base layer of merino wool next to their skin. Unlike normal wool, the diameter of each fibre of merino wool is smaller (≤17.5 mm). This allows the fibres to bend easily when pressed against the skin, rather than cause a prickle sensation, like the coarser fibres of standard wool, nylon or acrylic would.

And Finally

For adults, children, and babies alike, wearing a base layer of merino wool can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of Eczema and similar skin conditions. It is also worth considering the fabric of other items, such as blankets. A soft baby blanket made from hypoallergenic pure merino wool is a great option for young babies, as their skin is especially delicate. The naturally breathable fibres will keep them cosy, whilst regulating their body temperature far better than synthetic materials. Not only does this protect their skin, but it also helps them to sleep better and their parents too!