Interviews
Natural skin flora unaffected even after long periods of wear
21 Jan '11
5 min read
Most notably, there was no significant difference in the total number of bacteria between the functionalised side (verum) and the control side (placebo). Nor was there any variation in the individual range of bacteria specific to each volunteer which could be attributed to the functionalised textile fibres.
In addition to the skin flora, researchers also looked at the skin microclimate. This term describes the thin layer between the surface of the skin and the inside surface of the textile, which develops its own specific moisture level, air flow and temperature, depending on the fibres and construction of the textile, and which affects not only the level of comfort that is experienced but also the living conditions for skin bacteria.
Researchers studied three aspects of the microclimate relating to skin physiology: the vapour loss through the skin (trans-epidermal water loss or TEWL, as a direct measure of the barrier effect of the skin), skin moisture levels and the pH value. No significant effect on vapour loss from the skin could be detected on either the functionalised (verum) side or the control side (placebo).
This meant that the antibacterial fibres had no effect on the skin barrier. There was equally little change in the pH value of the volunteers' skin or in the moisture levels in their skin. None of the trial participants showed any dermatological changes such as increased dryness or inflammation.
To summarise, in this field study the skin flora and microclimate of healthy skin remained unaffected by the antibacterial T-shirts that were worn next to the skin: no damage to the skin flora could be detected, i.e. no change to the total number of bacteria on the skin or variation in the range of bacteria.
The antibacterial textiles could therefore be classified as safe. Nevertheless, the antibacterial textiles are effective against bacteria entering the fabric in perspiration, as shown in previous studies. The researchers will now be able to submit their data for publication in an internationally regarded specialist dermatology journal.
In addition to the skin flora, researchers also looked at the skin microclimate. This term describes the thin layer between the surface of the skin and the inside surface of the textile, which develops its own specific moisture level, air flow and temperature, depending on the fibres and construction of the textile, and which affects not only the level of comfort that is experienced but also the living conditions for skin bacteria.
Researchers studied three aspects of the microclimate relating to skin physiology: the vapour loss through the skin (trans-epidermal water loss or TEWL, as a direct measure of the barrier effect of the skin), skin moisture levels and the pH value. No significant effect on vapour loss from the skin could be detected on either the functionalised (verum) side or the control side (placebo).
This meant that the antibacterial fibres had no effect on the skin barrier. There was equally little change in the pH value of the volunteers' skin or in the moisture levels in their skin. None of the trial participants showed any dermatological changes such as increased dryness or inflammation.
To summarise, in this field study the skin flora and microclimate of healthy skin remained unaffected by the antibacterial T-shirts that were worn next to the skin: no damage to the skin flora could be detected, i.e. no change to the total number of bacteria on the skin or variation in the range of bacteria.
The antibacterial textiles could therefore be classified as safe. Nevertheless, the antibacterial textiles are effective against bacteria entering the fabric in perspiration, as shown in previous studies. The researchers will now be able to submit their data for publication in an internationally regarded specialist dermatology journal.
Hohenstein Institutes
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