With roughly 1 in 10 people experiencing eczema at some point in their lives, it’s never been more important for brands to offer soft and silky bed sheets, pillow cases, and duvet covers that soothe the skin and relieve itchiness! But which fabrics actually make for the best eczema friendly sheets?
In this article, we’ve explored what eczema actually is, and how to identify whether you’re a sufferer, as well as what to look out for when buying new bedding and the best textiles to consider (and which you should perhaps avoid).
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common dermatological condition that causes itchy and dry skin, which, if left untreated, can turn into a rash or blister - or in some cases can even become infected. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of treatments available for eczema, with topical ointments and creams known to relieve itchiness
Of course, if you do suffer from eczema, you’ll naturally be looking for ways to prevent flare ups and keep discomfort to a minimum. This is where your bedding comes in, with soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases the ideal investment.
What to look for when buying eczema friendly sheets?
As we’ve highlighted, eczematic skin can be easily irritated by even the most benign physical or environmental factors, so it’s important to take your health into consideration when choosing new bed sheets. The key things to look out for include:
This one’s a given: the softer your bed sheets, the less friction you’ll experience, which helps to reduce the chances of your eczema flaring up. So, where possible, aim to avoid ‘scratchy’ fabrics, like wool, flannel, or linen.
Bed sheet softness is measured by ‘thread count’, with a higher count indicating softer bedding – though, anything above a 300-thread count is typically considered ‘luxury’, so don’t feel like it needs to be in the thousands!
Temperature regulation and breathability is absolutely essential to keep you cool and comfortable at night, and prevent night sweats that might contribute to inflamed skin and eczematic episodes.
So, when buying new bedding, look out for sheets that respond to your body’s temperature, whether it’s the middle of winter or height of summer.
Just like temperature management, it’s important to look out for bedding with great wicking moisture, as this’ll keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
Not only that, though, but because your bedding remains dry – even during the hot and humid summer months – you’re less likely to be exposed to bacterial growth, with your bedding staying fresher for longer.
What are the best fabrics for eczema?
It’s no secret that certain fabrics can irritate the skin, which, if you suffer from eczema, can cause itchiness, rashes, and even infection. So, now you know exactly what to look out for when buying new bedding, it’s time to look at the eczema friendly materials you should be choosing between.
Bamboo
When you think of bamboo, you likely conjure images of tall grass shoots. But what you may not have realised is that it can also be used to create luxury bamboo bedding that’s very eczema friendly.
Thanks to its silky fibres, bamboo is naturally cooling, 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 pro-planet pick.
Eucalyptus
Breathable, moisture-wicking, and luxuriously soft, eucalyptus silk bedding should definitely be towards the top of your list if you’re shopping for eczema friendly sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases. And even better; like bamboo, eucalyptus is an eco-product, with sheets requiring 30% less energy and 95% less water to manufacture than cotton equivalents.
Silk
Silk doesn’t need any introduction: it’s world-renowned for being luxuriously soft and comfortable, and, like bamboo and eucalyptus, is an excellent temperature regulator.
With hypoallergenic properties, too, you can be sure that your silk sheets are free of dust, mites, and mould. The one disadvantage of silk bedding, however, is that it’s not the most ethical to manufacture – which is where eucalyptus comes in as an ethical alternative.
Egyptian cotton
A popular, natural option among eczema sufferers, Egyptian cotton is royalty in the bedding world, thanks to its reputation as a comfortable, luxury sleeping solution.
Traditionally sourced from the banks of the Nile, where the long-staple cotton has plenty of heat, water, and fertile soil to thrive, there are few better picks if you suffer from itchy skin and rashes. When browsing, just be sure you’re buying the real deal, as many manufacturers are known to falsely label cheaper, lower quality alternatives.
Microfiber
Microfiber sheets are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, and are designed to offer a soft and silky finish. On top of this, microfiber sheets are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust and mites, making them an excellent choice if you’re an eczema sufferer.
However, there is some debate around the breathability of this material, with many finding natural alternatives like cotton and eucalyptus to offer greater cooling properties, so maybe look elsewhere if you’re prone to night sweats!
Fabrics to avoid if you have eczema
On your hunt for the best bed sheets for eczema - though it’s great to know which fabrics to keep an eye out for - it can be just as useful to have an idea of the materials to avoid.
While bamboo and eucalyptus silk offer soothing benefits, the likes of wool, linen, and flannel, on the other hand can contribute to night time itchiness. That’s not the say that you can’t buy high-quality, luxury sheets made from these fabrics; it just means they might not be the most appropriate if you suffer with eczema.
Rather than being soft and silky, wool, linen, and flannel bedding typically prioritises warmth and cosiness, but can begin to feel ‘scratchy’ if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to rashes.
Of course, if you’re deciding between bed sheets and not sure whether one might be a better fit for your eczematic skin, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our sleep experts who’ll be more than happy to help!
How often should you change your bedding with eczema?
First and foremost, whether you have eczema or not, it’s essential to regularly wash your bedding to prevent a build up of dirt, grime, and allergens!
However, while some people can get away with washing sheets twice a month, if you suffer from eczema or otherwise itchy skin, we’d suggest changing your bedding on a weekly basis – especially if you’re a sweaty sleeper!
FAQs
If you’re still looking for more info, we’ve answered a couple of the most commonly asked questions by customers looking for the best sheets for eczema. However, if you’re still unsure about which fabric or material type might be most appropriate for your skin, get in touch!
Can mattress sheets cause eczema?
Yes, mattress sheets can easily cause eczema under certain circumstances. If you don’t wash your bed sheets regularly, dust mites and your own dead skin cells are likely to ‘pile up’, which can lead to asthma, eczema, and other dermatological or respiratory allergies.
Are Eucalyptus Sheets Good for Eczema?
Eucalyptus sheets, also known as Tencel sheets, are perfect for people suffering from skin allergies or eczema. Because eczema causes your skin to react to environmental and physical factors, it’s essential to choose bedding materials that combat itchiness and discomfort, such as breathable and moisture-wicking eucalyptus silk.
Combat The Itchiness With Our Eucalyptus Bed Sheet Set - Starting From £299
With millions of people around the world experiencing eczema in their lifetime, it’s become increasingly important to deliver comfortable bedding that soothes itchy and flaky skin. Fortunately, with the likes of eucalyptus silk becoming more mainstream, it’s never been easier to find eczema friendly sheets!
If you’re feeling inspired, why not explore our full range of bestselling luxury bedding or discover even more useful insight over on our blog.
