With respect to its fragile dermal structure and immature barrier function, infant skin is extremely sensitive and susceptible to mechanical irritation. Rashes, redness, and discomfort are frequently linked to friction from traditional garment materials like polyester or cotton. By lowering fabric-to-skin friction and the prevalence of skin rashes, this study seeks to assess how silk-based clothing can support newborns' dermal health. The material qualities of silk fabrics as well as their practical usefulness in newborn wear were evaluated using a combined clinical and textile-based approach.
During the pre-clinical stage, research studies were conducted on silk, cotton, and polyester textiles to determine their hydration-controlling qualities, air permeability, interface softness, and frictional ratios. According to the results, silk outperformed other textiles in terms of surface smoothness and friction levels. During the clinical phase, 30 healthy babies around the ages of 3 and 12 months were split into three categories and given clothing made of polyester, cotton, and silk for 14 days. The study was a randomised controlled. Surface water loss (TEWL), visual rash inspection, and response from parents surveys were used to track skin condition.
The results showed that babies wearing silk clothing experienced much less peeling and had more comfortable skin, with carers reporting greater levels of pleasure. According to the study's findings, silk-based textiles significantly improve newborns' cutaneous safety and reduce skin friction, suggesting that they might be used in both medical and everyday infant clothing. This multidisciplinary study creates connections between paediatric healthcare and textile engineering, paving the door for breakthroughs in medicinal and practical apparel.