Eczema sufferers dread winter. Sweaters may increase flare-ups and throw our skin off balance, in addition to cold and dry heat. Even without eczema, certain sweaters and tops cause itching. Scratchy clothes might be unbearable if you have sensitive skin. Certain sweaters may be treated with chemicals that might induce an adverse contact response on the skin, explains Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. Finding the right ones can be tough, but don’t ditch sweaters forever. You may enjoy the warmth and comfort of a turtleneck or cardigan if you have eczema. Consider the fabric while opting for an eczema-friendly sweater. Dr. Greenfield advises natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and nylon. Not all wool is prohibited, despite its reputation for irritating eczema-prone skin. Dermatologists like Hadley King, MD, recommend buttery Merino Wool or cashmere.
“There are numerous cashmere sweaters that are soft enough that they won’t produce skin sensitivities,” Dr. Greenfield says. The mix of cashmere and wool produces a fabric that is as supple as a puppy’s ear and is kind to skin that is prone to eczema. In addition, if it has a turtleneck, you should make sure that the style is cut a little bit slack so that it won’t irritate your neck.
Silk is another option worth considering due to its ability to maintain a comfortable inside climate. Not only can you get regular silk clothing, but there are even snug silk outfits made for those with eczema. Typically, these items are worn as a second layer underneath another outfit. Smooth, silky sweaters are less prone to aggravating sensitive skin. You may have that ultra-comfortable, buttery-soft sensation along with a loose, friction-free fit. The outbreaks of eczema may now be history. RELATED: Are You Allergic To Your…Clothes?!
Cotton, ideally one hundred percent cotton, is the kind of fabric that is most often suggested for use by people who suffer from eczema. Cotton is a material that is comfortable to wear, breathable, fantastic at soaking up perspiration, simple to clean, and can be worn all year round. Blends marketed as “cotton rich” may really include a significant amount of polyester; thus, before making a purchase, you should pay close attention to the product labeling and determine precisely what percentage of cotton there is.
A gentle reminder: those who suffer from eczema or sensitive skin do not necessarily need to stay away from all types of wool. To prevent aggravating any rough regions on the skin, Dr. Greenfield recommends selecting finer and softer wool, such as Merino Wool, as your material of choice. This one is gentle not only on the skin but also on the environment since it may be made from cashmere yarn that has been recycled at some point during the production process. The use of superfine Merino Wool may, according to the findings of several scientific studies, significantly alleviate the symptoms of a range of skin disorders, including eczema. Wool is known to have a reputation for being scratchy and prickly among the general population, which may lead those with sensitive skin to react to the fabric adversely. The investigation indicates that this is not the situation at all. RELATED: Are Dryer Sheets Safe for Your Skin?
The breathability of nylon may vary greatly depending on how it is manufactured or mixed. Nylon, on the other hand, is designed to wick away moisture and dry out rapidly in the event that you work up a sweat. The use of Smartwool sweaters, such as this one, has reportedly been met with favorable feedback from Dr. Shaikh’s patients.
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