Antimicrobial silk clothing in the treatment of atopic dermatitis proves comparable to topical corticosteroid treatment

Dermatology. 2006;213(3):228-33. doi: 10.1159/000095041.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is aggravated by mechanical irritation and bacterial colonization.

Objective: This study compared the efficacy of an antimicrobial silk fabric (DermaSilk) with that of a topical corticosteroid in the treatment of AD.

Methods: Fifteen children were enrolled and wore a dress, where the left side was made of DermaSilk and the right side was made of cotton. The right arm and leg were treated daily with the corticosteroid mometasone for 7 days. The treatment efficacy was measured with a modified EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index) and with an assessment by the patients/parents and by a physician. All patients were evaluated at baseline, as well as 7 and 21 days after the initial examination.

Results: All parameters showed that, irrespective of the treatment, there was a significant decrease of eczema after 7 days. No significant difference between DermaSilk-treated and corticosteroid-treated skin could be observed.

Conclusion: DermaSilk showed potential to become an effective treatment of AD.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clothing*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / prevention & control*
  • Eczema / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mometasone Furoate
  • Pregnadienediols / administration & dosage*
  • Silk*
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / etiology
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / prevention & control
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Pregnadienediols
  • Silk
  • Mometasone Furoate