New research shows that a new type of 'therapeutic underwear' called DermaSilk can help reduce and improve the symptoms of recurrent vaginal thrush and lichen sclerosus (The Telegraph, 25/07/11). The briefs are made from a special type of silk and impregnated with an antimicrobial agent to kill bacteria and fungi that cause candida infections. Therapeutic clothing has been around for a while but what's new is that the NHS is offering recurrent sufferers a chance to try the briefs on prescription. So, what is 'therapeutic underwear' and how does it work?
The Health Benefits of Silk
Wearing silk has always been a luxury and an aphrodisiac of sorts because it feels so sensual and soft. There's lots of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of silk in reducing hot flushes during perimenopause (try sleeping on a silk pillow) and as a beauty aid to plump skin and help prevent nighttime wrinkles. Harper's Bazaar health & beauty director Newby Hands says it's great for your skin. Celebrity hairdressers also say it reduces frizz and tangles, as it stops hair snagging and breaking when you toss and turn in bed.
Clinical Trials
Researchers at the University of Bologna, Italy ran a double-blind clinical trial which showed that a new range of antimicrobial silk briefs can help relieve the symptoms of thrush and lichen sclerosus. Thrush is a common problem for many women and 1 in 20 will have outbreaks up to four times a year. Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that affects the vulval area. It's not widely reported but affects 1/30 women worldwide.
The trial involved 96 women who had suffered from thrush for 2.4 years on average. They had been taking medical treatment (fluconazole) prior to the study but were still having outbreaks. Half of the group wore cotton briefs and the other half wore the DermaSilkIntimo briefs. These contain fibroin, a medical-grade silk, which is permanently bonded with a antimicrobial agent to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. This grade of silk soaks up excess moisture and dampness so will help regulate vaginal pH and prevent excess yeast (candida) growth that causes thrush. Washing the briefs doesn't reduce the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent.
After six months only 6/48 women wearing the DermaSilkIntimo briefs suffered with erythema (skin redness) compared to 38/48 women in the cotton group. Six women reported vulvar irritation compared to 28 in the cotton group. Another trial involving 42 women suffering from chronic vulvar lichen sclerosus found the briefs reduced or eradicated their symptoms in the first month, and some of the women asked if they could continue wearing the briefs.
The trials were funded by Alpretec (the Italian firm that makes the silk) and although silk is more expensive than cotton it is more beneficial because fibroin is hypoallergenic and reduces irritation and absorbs excess moisture. So wearing the briefs is a preventative measure. I've been sent a pair to try and they are like a second skin; stretchy and comfortable.
Silk Lingerie Styles
'There are 2 “lines” of briefs. The standard DermaSilk briefs are the ones on prescription in the UK,' says Chris Steeples, joint MD of Espere Healthcare who manufacture the briefs. 'These are cut from 100% fibroin silk and are available in five sizes. We believed that it would not be possible to have numerous styles of briefs available on the NHS so we then developed a range of five styles using a more stretchy variant of the fibroin silk with 4% elastane built into its core. These are DermaSilkIntimo and are produced in three sizes, due to their ability to stretch so much'.
It's good news that the NHS is wiling to invest in therapeutic garments such as this. The hope is that in helping women to prevent thrush it will save some money on drug treatments that don't work in the long term. Women with thrush are generally advised to wear cotton briefs, which are not as beneficial as silk. We're also advised to sleep without briefs to avoid a build-up of moisture during the night. The DermaSilk briefs are an addition to a range of therapeutic clothing products and can help women suffering with vulvovaginal conditions.
If you've tried them let me know what you think of them. I'm informed by Silkskin, the first company in the UK to develop the concept of silk bedding in 2004 that loyal customers include Helena Bonham-Carter, Nigella Lawson, and the royal palace.
Sources
Silkskin sells premium silk beauty products, bedding and accessories.
DermaTherapy Bedding can help sufferers with eczema, pressure sores, acne and night sweats.
The Telegraph: 'Wearing silk helps ease an age-old problem' by Victoria Lambert (25/07/11).
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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