Similar to other skin diseases, psoriasis causes irritation, usually exacerbated by friction. Moreover, certain materials can prove to be allergenic and irritating to the skin, which intensifies the itching and scratching. To improve your daily well-being, discover the materials and clothing suitable for psoriasis.
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Psoriasis and Clothing: What Outfit Should You Choose?
Summary
Published October 11, 2023,
updated on February 20, 2024,
by
Manon, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
Psoriasis and Clothing: What are the Risks?
The psoriasis is a chronic and non-contagious inflammatory condition. It progresses in the form of flare-ups for a few weeks, or even a few months, with intermittent remissions.
Psoriasis is the result of an early renewal of the cells of the epidermis, and an accumulation of these cells, leading to a local inflammation. Indeed, immune cells (T lymphocytes) find themselves in the skin for unknown reasons and produce inflammatory molecules (cytokines Il-17, Il-22, TNF-alpha ...) that stimulate the proliferation of keratinocytes. The renewal period of these cells, normally three weeks, then becomes three days. This results in an accumulation of immature keratinocytes on the skin surface, increasing the thickness of the outer layer (the cornea).
The choice of clothing can play a significant role in reducing the discomfort and irritation caused by psoriasis to the extent that it is one of the questions in the DLQI index ( Dermatology Life Quality Index). This index is a questionnaire designed to assess the quality of life of patients affected by dermatological conditions.
What clothes should be worn?
To enjoy uncompromised comfort, it is important to pay attention to the textiles and cuts of clothing, as some can be more damaging to the skin.
Opt for natural materials.
Choose soft, natural-origin fabrics such as linen, cotton, or silk, especially for socks and underwear. As for the latter, opt for seamless and elastic-free versions to avoid the risk of irritation in the groin folds.
Textiles made from silver fibers are also recommended for individuals with psoriasis-prone skin types, as they contain antibacterial, antifungal, and absorbent components. Clothing made from hemp fibers also proves to be gentle on the skin. Avoid synthetic materials, as the chemical components they contain are often poorly tolerated by this skin type. These include, but are not limited to, polyester, acrylic, lycra, viscose, or nylon. Moreover, these fabrics are not very breathable for the skin, which increases perspiration, promoting the spread of bacteria.
Opt for loose and comfortable cuts.
Patients suffering from psoriasis should wear loose and lightweight clothing. Such attire reduces the risk of potential friction that could cause irritation and facilitates the evaporation of sweat.
Wearing long clothing.
If you have patches of psoriasis on your arms, legs, or other parts of the body, choosing long-sleeved clothing and lightweight pants can help protect the skin from the sun's rays and irritations.
Anti-psoriasis clothing?
Currently, some manufacturers offer clothing designed for psoriasis. Made from soft, healthy, and natural materials, these garments soothe itching and help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Fully breathable, they are suitable for all seasons. Moreover, they are devoid of labels, seams, or other scratchy details. These designs are also targeted against friction and promote the absorption of creams and other psoriasis treatments.
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