This post is under review and in the process of being rewritten.
Benefits of Cotton Bed Sheets for Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Night time itching is a common problem during topical steroid withdrawal. At night, the earth’s temperature drops, and the blood seeks to balance it by rushing to the surface to warm you up. At night he body releases more inflammatory cytokines and less cortisol(1), resulting in the body overheating and inflammation. These chemical messengers make it easier for people with topical steroid withdrawal to fall into the brutal scratch-itch cycle.
Cotton bed sheets are considered a non-pharmacological therapy for skin irritations during topical steroid withdrawal.
Cotton Bed Sheets for Eczema and Sensitive Skin
Cotton is the most recommended fabric for topical steroid withdrawal because it is non-irritant, hypoallergenic and comfortable to use.
1. Comfort
If you seek to improve the quality of your sleep time, consider switching to a cotton bed sheet. Cotton is made of short fibres that easily contract and expand. This great feature enables cotton to be flexible and pliable. The kind of cotton fabrics recommended for use in eczema and topical steroid withdrawal is 100% organic cotton made with no harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, commonly used as an anti-wrinkling agent in textile industries (2). Consider seeking GOTS certified cotton, which guarantees cotton production with no pesticide residue. This reduces the possibility of discomfort caused by chemical treatment.
2. Reduces heat-build up
The short fibres which make up cotton are good at maintaining a heat balance (3). Unlike polyester and other synthetic materials, and even some natural fabrics like silk, cotton does not retain heat. Heat is one of the prevalent triggers for inflammatory reactions, discomfort and itching.
During cold seasons, you may be tempted to wrap yourself up in a heavy duvet, despite your skin. When warmth is sought, cotton blankets and duvets are the better options. The multiple layers of cotton conserve heat but retain ventilation. This set-up promotes a more comfortable, breathable sleep.
3. Non-abrasive
When shopping for cotton bedspreads and pillowcases, be on the lookout for the 100% cotton label. Pure cotton is made entirely of cellulose and is soft to the touch. Pure cotton should not give an abrasive feel when rubbed against the face. Friction against the skin mimics the same effects as scratching. Abrasive bed sheets encourage heat build-up and rash formation. Since moving against your sheets is inevitable, cotton sheets will help ‘lubricate’ each movement and reduce friction.
Other materials also tend to become bumpy and abrasive with use, even if they were once smooth. This is rarely seen with 100% cotton, making it an excellent choice for to use during topical steroid withdrawal.
Cotton bed sheets are hypoallergenic, durable and comfortable and suitable for use in eczema and sensitive skin. Cotton sheets should be maintained by gently swirling in a mild detergent and warm water solution.
Cotton gloves, cotton clothes and cotton sleeves are also recommended to help manage topical steroid withdrawal.
References
- https://www.wederm.com/2021/05/11/what-causes-itchy-skin-at-night/
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/formaldehyde-in-textiles-use-limits-testing.html#:~:text=Formaldehyde%20is%20a%20natural%20chemical,and%20inks%20better%20penetrate%20fabrics.
- https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/bodyphysics/chapter/down-jackets/#:~:text=Cotton%20is%20a%20great%20thermal,adage%2C%20%E2%80%9Ccotton%20kills%E2%80%9D.
