We don't need to tell you about the distress that lack of sleep can cause. Everybody in the family suffers if deprived of a decent night's rest, so it's vital that every possible measure is taken to help anyone with eczema or sensitive skin enjoy the cool, relaxing comfort of appropriate bedding and sleepwear.

Our recommendation

Fabrics of man-made fibres such as nylon and polyester, as well as wool, often irritate the skin, and if you have eczema they can make your skin incredibly hot and itchy. Similarly, although the anti-bacterial properties of pure silver would seem ideal for eczema and dermatitis sufferers, our testers found nightwear with silver in the fabric very hot, as the silver minimises heat loss and reflects energy back to the skin.

Ideally, opt for Dermasilk pyjamas, long sleeved tops and leggings, worn with gloves for scratch protection. 

Wash garments inside out for thorough cleaning and use Fabricleanse in every wash.

Getting the size right

Make sure the fit is close without being tight, but avoid the friction that a too-big garment will cause as it moves excessively over the skin. Be aware too of "skin on skin" contact, especially under the arms if the raglan is loose, or between the legs if the gusset is too low.

Two or three sets worn in rotation should last, even with frequent washing, until the child is ready for the next size up.

DermaSilk Therapeutic Pyjamas for children.

We are impressed by the clinical trials, tests and results achieved by users of comfortable and healing DermaSilk pyjamas.

They are made of a special, knitted medical grade silk, bonded with a patented antimicrobial shield. This Microbe Shield™ has been used on operating theatre gowns for infection control in hospitals for over 30 years. It inhibits the development of Staph Aureus and other bacteria on the skin, an important benefit for eczema sufferers.

In clinical trials 83% of children with atopic dermatitis using DermaSilk garments showed an improvement in their condition.

DermaSilk also produce a range of Tops and Leggings for older children and teens that can be worn as base layers under outer clothing or used as nightwear. 

Gloves - 3 good recommendations:

Wearing mittens during the day is not recommended as this can interfere with the development of a child’s hand/eye co-ordination. For short, vulnerable periods such as car journeys, or when sitting in front of the TV, a pair of soft gloves which turn a damaging scratch into a protected rub, can be a godsend.

Adults too will find the gloves help to stop scratching whilst asleep and they're also good to wear over creams and emollients at night.

Our Cotton Gloves are made specially for AllergyBestBuys to provide the comfort and fit our customers need. They can be washed at 60°C and come in packs of 1, 3 or 6 from size 2/3yrs up to adult sizes.

DermaSilk Gloves with their gentle stretch and proven healing properties are available to fit children from age 3 as well as adults.  Usefully, there's a fingerless version for daytime, too.

Our Bamboo Gloves have been made in conjunction with the Norwegian Asthma & Allergy Association to protect the hands of adults and children with eczema, contact dermatitis or psoriasis. You'll find this naturally antibacterial fabric soft, stretchy and very comfortable.

Tips

In the US and elsewhere, children's nightclothes are, by law, treated with flameproofing chemicals. Most of these chemicals contain formaldehyde which cannot be washed out. Children with eczema should not be exposed to these chemicals, especially at night when body heat encourages fumes to be given off. This can lead to allergic reactions in asthmatics too.

If the eczema is mild, you may be ok at night just with some very soft pyjamas and a pair of cotton gloves to make scratching less harmful. Some parents stitch a pair of gloves to the wrists of a long-sleeved T-shirt, so they're not so easy to take off.