To ensure your child feels comfortable, the first priority is to dress them comfortably! This is especially important for children with atopic dermatitis; choosing appropriate clothing is crucial to reducing irritation and preventing eczema from worsening. These preventative measures should begin from birth.
Co-authored with dermatologist Clarence De Belilovsky, and a member of the Mustela expert circle.
Choose appropriate clothing
T-shirts, pants, sweaters, dresses, pajamas... all clothing should be soft and not too warm : atopic eczema is prone to itching due to irritation or sweating.
Which materials are best suited for atopic skin?
Best choice:
- Choose materials that are soft to the touch, smooth, and elastic. For example, cotton, linen, and silk have fine fibers and are highly breathable.
- Avoid rough materials such as wool . Although wool is very warm, its rough texture can easily irritate a child's skin.
- Avoid synthetic fibers and clothing , such as polyester or acrylic. They may seem soft and comfortable, but they do not absorb sweat and are not breathable.
- For nighttime use, we recommend choosing highly resilient fabrics, such as the new Stellatopia Soothing Pajamas (link to be created), specially designed for atopic skin. Its 100% cotton fibers are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified, ensuring safety and prohibiting the use of harmful chemicals. The naturally encapsulated formula within the fibers provides sustainable soothing to the skin.
A small suggestion:
- To reduce irritation or heat, avoid high-necked clothing and choose loose-fitting styles.
How to stay warm in winter without wearing wool? Use layering : bodysuits or thermal underwear, thick cotton T-shirts, fleece vests... Get creative with your child's layering to reduce itching!
Clothes washing
Do I need to use special laundry detergent? Not necessarily. The key is to rinse thoroughly , and a good laundry routine should ensure this. If you're unsure, it's recommended to run an extra rinse cycle. Even if you can dry clothes outdoors, children's clothes should still be hung indoors to prevent pollen from adhering to the fabric.
