DermaSilk has a many features and benefits

This unique range of garments becomes like a 'second skin' thus reducing the potential for surface friction to a minimum.

Antimicrobially Protected - For Good Reason

Silk is a protein fibre and as such can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi which can come into contact with it. This unwanted feature is a particular problem with eczematous skin as increased levels of bacteria can cause increased irritation to the skin. It is therefore vitally important to protect the silk from microbial contamination whilst on the wearer.

What is equally important is the choice of antimicrobial. Ideally the antimicrobial should be capable of killing excess bacteria without migrating from the fabric. this means that it only works when the fabric is actually touching the skin and so that it does not wear out over time due to washing. when you are paying for a garment such as these you don't want to be discarding them after 20 - 30 washes because the antimicrobial isn't protecting the silk!

Safety is also important. An antimicrobial that is permanently bonded to the fabric cannot release any agents onto the skin or into the environment when washed. Authorities in Sweden banned silver impregnated sticking plasters from sale some years ago as the silver had the potential to leech into the water course and poison fish.

The antimicrobial chosen for DermaSilk fulfills both the above criteria and more. AEM 5772/5 is a physical killer of bacteria, rather than a chemical poison. It has been used in hospitals for over 30 years where it has proven ability to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth on fabrics such as operating theatre gowns. It acts by puncturing and electrocuting bacteria and fungi, causing their instant death. There is no chemical released from the silk to poison the cells and no chemicals or nano-particles are released onto the skin. No other antimicrobial is capable of protecting silk in this way.

diagrame of infected eczema and DermaSilk

Diagram of less eczema and irritation from using DermaSilk

These are microscopic molecules. Over 1,000 would come into contact with each bacteria.

AEM 5772/5 has been subjected to rigorous toxicity tests to ensure its safety on both intact and damaged skin. Passing these tests was vital for the fabric to achieve registration.

The antimicrobial is also environmentally friendly. A shirt treated with this technology placed in a landfill will break down to basic components in about five years. The AEM 5772/5 molecule will break down into the common carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and silicon dioxide (sand or quartz) from which it was derived.

To see an explanation of the way in which the AEM5772/5 molecule kills bacteria please click here to activate a short video produced by the manufacturers of AEM5772/5 (this requires FLASH)

Diagram of why DermaSilk does not irritate eczema

No Antibacterial Resistance

The possibility of bacterial resistance developing is virtually zero because the shield acts by physically damaging the microbe cell walls rather than killing them by chemical toxins such as triclosan or silver. More importantly, there is no migration of the agent from the silk to the skin so no risk of a build up of any toxic compounds on the delicate skin of the wearer.

DermaSilk does not contain silver molecules of any sort, nor any nano-particle material.

The antimicrobial is colourless and odourless and because the DermaSilk range of garments has been designed for frequent washing, it is still highly effective even after many, many washes.

DermaSilk has been shown in published clinical trials to be superior to cotton in controlling itching and scratching and its effectiveness has even been compared favourably with a topical steroid cream.

Silk fibre is a protein which resembles human hair in both its physical and chemical structure. Silk is used as a non irritant thread in surgical procedures and can be applied directly onto damaged skin. It is well suited therefore for use on skin irritated by atopic conditions.
Silk has some extraordinary properties. It is capable of rapidly reaching body temperature and then maintaining it at a constant level. Such a characteristic is important because it helps to reduce excessive sweating which is often common in infants, children and even adults affected by eczema. This can protect the skin from a loss of moisture which otherwise can aggravate skin dryness.

	Cotton is a vegetable fibre and does not have any temperature regulating capability. It can only absorb up to 10 % of its own weight and once the sweat starts to cool down, the skin temperature also goes down forcing the body to react to raise the body temperature. This generates more sweating and further moisture loss.
	Cotton threads are composed of millions of very short fibres spun together. Each fibre absorbs moisture and this causes the fibres to twist and contract. This movement can irritate and scratch the already sensitised skin. This can then contribute to the debilitating ' itch - scratch ' cycle.

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