German scientists tested neurodermatitis patients for dust mite allergy and found that 90% of sufferers were allergic to dust mites, without realising it. This has now also been confirmed in a study from England, which shows how dust mite allergens activate the immune system and trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin.

Following these findings, the Hohenstein Institute reported that patients suffering from neurodermatitis may benefit from textiles that were proven to provide effective protection against dust mites.

Link discovered

Children are most affected by neurodermatitis. They experience symptoms such as red flaky patches of eczema or severe itching. The two studies show that preventing the skin from coming into contact with dust mite excrement, including via textiles, is an important way of counteracting neurodermatitis.

“These are two very important studies,” said Prof Dirk Höfer of the William Küster Institute at the Hohenstein Institute, who is researching which kinds of clothing can help people with neurodermatitis or sensitive skin.

“They show a link for the first time – the fact that one and the same allergen can irritate both the respiratory tracts and the skin. They also show that suitable textiles could alleviate the symptoms of neurodermatitis.”

Infection-preventing yarns

However, in addition to the effectiveness against dust mites, it is also important to take account of the special requirements that people with sensitive skin or eczema have of textiles, said Prof Höfer. So as a supplementary measure to prevent and treat neurodermatitis, it is important to use infection-preventing yarns that are not cytotoxic and do not increase skin sensitivity (skin and tissue compatibility).

Textiles should also not contain any mechanically irritating fibres, seams or accessories, should create a microclimate with the best possible textile physiological parameters such as thermal conductivity and moisture absorption and wicking, and should not have any occlusive (air-excluding) areas. Finally, they should also be compatible with treatments such as lotions, the Hohenstein Institute reports.

Anti-dust mite effectiveness

Until now, manufacturers of bedding and encasings have mainly been interested in testing their products for "anti-dust mite effectiveness", because textiles that successfully exclude dust mites and the allergens contained in their excrement (Der p1) can protect end users from the attendant symptoms of a house dust allergy.

According to the team of researchers at the Hohenstein Institute, there is therefore a demand for these products, especially from healthcare institutions, hotels and guest-houses but also from private households. However, in the light of the new findings, the manufacturers and retailers of textiles that are specifically intended for neurodermatitis sufferers should also, in the interests of the consumer, attach increased importance to providing evidence that their textiles are "anti-dust mite effective".

Available testing

The Hohenstein Institute offers two accredited tests to support this claim. On the one hand, the "allergen-resistance of textiles" can be assessed, because bedding, for example, that effectively keeps the dust mite excrement at bay can be awarded the "House dust and dust mite barrier" label.

On the other hand, the "Anti-dust mite effectiveness" test shows whether an item that has been treated actually inhibits the growth of house dust mites or even destroys them. Textiles tested in this way for compliance with the standard NF G39-011 can then be awarded the "Effective against dust mites" label. So this also identifies clothing that is beneficial for neurodermatitis sufferers.

www.hohenstein.de