With around 1 in 10 people experiencing eczema at some point in their lives, it’s never been more important for brands to offer soft, silky products that soothe skin, anti-itch sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers! But which fabrics are the best sheets for eczema?
In this article, we explore what exactly eczema is and how to tell if you have it, as well as what to look for when buying new bedding and the best textiles to consider (and which ones you should probably avoid).
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchy and dry skin that, if left untreated, can turn into a rash or blisters and, in some cases, can even become infected. Fortunately, there are many treatments for eczema, including topical ointments and creams that can relieve itchiness
Of course, if you do suffer from eczema, you'll naturally want to look for ways to prevent eczema flare-ups and minimize discomfort. This is where your bedding comes in, soft, breathable, hypoallergenic sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are ideal investments.
What should you look for when buying anti-eczema sheets?
As we've emphasized, eczema skin can easily be irritated by even the most benign physical or environmental factors, so it's important to consider your health when choosing new sheets. Key things to note include:
It's a given: the softer the sheets, the less friction there will be, which can help reduce the chance of an eczema flare-up. Therefore, if possible, avoid using "scratchable" fabrics such as wool, flannel or linen.
The softness of a bed sheet is measured by "thread count," with higher thread count indicating softer bedding - however, anything above 300 thread count is generally considered "luxury," so there's no need to I think I need thousands of them!
Temperature regulation and breathability are essential to keeping you cool and comfortable at night and preventing night sweats, which can lead to skin inflammation and eczema flare-ups.
So when shopping for new bedding, look for sheets that match your body temperature, whether it's the middle of winter or the height of summer.
Just like temperature management, it's important to look for bedding that has good moisture wicking properties as this will keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
Not only that, by keeping your bedding dry even during the hot and humid summer months, your bedding is less likely to be affected by bacterial growth and your bedding stays fresher longer.
What is the best fabric for treating eczema?
Certain fabrics are known to irritate the skin, which can cause itching, rashes, and even infection if you have eczema. So, now that you know exactly what to look for when shopping for new bedding, it’s time to look at which eczema-resistant materials you should choose.
bamboo
When you think of bamboo, you probably think of tall grass sprouts. But you might not realize it, but it can also be used to make luxurious bamboo bedding that’s very eczema-friendly.
Thanks to its silky fibers, bamboo has a natural cooling effect, ensuring you stay comfortable all night long. What's more: Because bamboo is a fast-growing plant, it's completely sustainable and self-renewing, making it a planet-friendly choice.
Eucalyptus
If you're shopping for eczema-resistant sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases, breathable, moisture-wicking, luxuriously soft eucalyptus silk bedding should definitely be at the top of your list. Or even better; like bamboo, eucalyptus is an ecological product, requiring 30% less energy and 95% less water to produce the boards compared to cotton.
silk
Silk needs no introduction: it's world-renowned for its luxurious softness and comfort, and, like bamboo and eucalyptus, is an excellent temperature regulator.
Also hypoallergenic, you can ensure your silk sheets are free of dust, mites, and mold. One downside to silk bedding, however, is that it's not the most ethically made - which is where eucalyptus comes in as an ethical alternative.
Egyptian cotton
A popular natural choice among eczema sufferers, Egyptian cotton is king of the bedding world due to its reputation for comfort and luxury. Sleep Solutions.
Long-staple cotton is traditionally grown along the Nile River where it thrives with plenty of heat, water and fertile soil, so if you suffer from itchy skin and rashes, there's no better choice. When browsing, make sure you're buying an authentic product, as many manufacturers have been known to mislabel cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.
superfine fiber
Microfiber sheets are made from synthetic materials like polyester and are designed to provide a soft, silky surface. Best of all, microfiber sheets are naturally hypoallergenic and dust and mite resistant, making them an excellent choice if you suffer from eczema.
However, there is some controversy surrounding the breathability of this material, with many people finding that natural alternatives like cotton and eucalyptus offer better cooling properties, so if you're prone to night sweats, maybe look at other materials!
Fabrics to avoid when you have eczema
When looking for the best sheets for eczema – while it’s good to know which fabrics to look out for – it’s equally helpful to know what materials to avoid.
While bamboo and eucalyptus are soothing, materials like wool, linen and flannel can contribute to nighttime itching. That’s not to say you can’t buy high-quality, luxurious sheets made from these fabrics; It just means they may not be the best fit if you suffer from eczema.
Wool, linen, and flannel bedding often prioritizes warmth and comfort over softness and silkiness, but if you have sensitive skin that's prone to rashes, you may start to feel "itchy."
How often should bedding be changed if you have eczema?
First of all, whether you have eczema or not, it’s important to wash your bedding regularly to prevent dirt buildup and allergens!
However, while some people can change their sheets twice a month, if you suffer from eczema or itchy skin, it's recommended to change your bedding once a week – especially if you sweat while sleeping!
