Pharmacology and Treatment

Antimicrobial Silk Clothing in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Proves Comparable to Topical Corticosteroid Treatment
G. Senti, L.S. Steinmann, B. Fischer, R. Kurmann, T. Storni, P. Johansen, P. Schmid-Grendelmeier, B. Wüthrich, T.M. Kündig

Unit for Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 2006;213:228-233 (DOI: 10.1159/000095041)

  Key Words

• Atopic dermatitis
• Silk fabric
• Antimicrobial treatment

  Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is aggravated by mechanical irritation and bacterial colonization. Objective: This study compared the efficacy of an antimicrobial silk fabric (DermaSilk®) with that of a topical corticosteroid in the treatment of AD. Methods: Fifteen children were enrolled and wore a dress, where the left side was made of DermaSilk and the right side was made of cotton. The right arm and leg were treated daily with the corticosteroid mometasone for 7 days. The treatment efficacy was measured with a modified EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index) and with an assessment by the patients/parents and by a physician. All patients were evaluated at baseline, as well as 7 and 21 days after the initial examination. Results: All parameters showed that, irrespective of the treatment, there was a significant decrease of eczema after 7 days. No significant difference between DermaSilk-treated and corticosteroid-treated skin could be observed. Conclusion: DermaSilk showed potential to become an effective treatment of AD.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. G. Senti
Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich
Gloriastrasse 31
CH–8091 Zurich (Switzerland)
Tel. +41 44 255 1111, Fax +41 44 255 4418, E-Mail gabriela.senti@usz.ch

  Article Information

Received: September 2, 2005
Accepted after revision: February 2, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 23