Antimicrobial active clothes display no adverse effects on the ecological balance of the healthy human skin microflora

Abstract

The progressive public use of antimicrobial clothes has raised issues concerning skin health. A placebo-controlled side-to-side study was run with antimicrobial clothes versus fabrics of similar structure but minus the antimicrobial activity, to evaluate possible adverse effects on the healthy skin microflora. Sixty volunteers were enrolled. Each participant received a set of form-fitting T-shirts constructed in 2 halves: an antibacterial half, displaying activities of 3-5 log-step reductions due to silver-finishes or silver-loaded fibres and a nonantibacterial control side. The microflora of the scapular skin was analyzed weekly for opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms over six weeks. The antibacterial halves did not disturb the microflora in number or composition, whereas a silver-containing deodorant displayed a short-term disturbance. Furthermore, parameters of skin morphology and function (TEWL, pH, moisture) did not show any significant shifts. In summary, antimicrobial clothes did not show adverse effects on the ecological balance of the healthy skin microflora.

Figure 1

Boxplot diagram showing a short-term impact on the microflora immediately (0 hour) and after 8 hours following a spray burst of an antibacterial silver-containing deodorant (n = 8).

Figure 2

Boxplot diagram showing total germ count after application of fabric 1. PES-silver Verum side (V) and placebo side (P). T₀ = baseline, T₇ = after 1 week wear trial, T₁₄ = after 2 weeks, T₂₁ = after 3 weeks, T₂₈ = after 4 weeks, T₃₅ = 1 week after the wearing time (n = 30).

Figure 3

Boxplot diagram showing total germ count after application of fabric 2. Silver-finish Verum side (V), placebo side (P). T₀ = baseline, T₇ = after 1 week wear trial, T₁₄ = after 2 weeks, T₂₁ =after 3 weeks, T₂₈ = after 4 weeks, T₃₅ = 1 week after the wear period (n = 30).

Figure 4

The comparison of the mean values of TEWL between the antibacterial verum and the corresponding placebo shirt halves did not show significant differences between the baseline (T₀), during (T₇–T₂₈) or after the wear trial (T₃₅).

Figure 5

The comparison of the mean values of skin pHmetry between the antibacterial verum and the corresponding placebo shirt halves did not show significant differences between the baseline (T₀), during (T₇–T₂₈) or after the wear trial (T₃₅).

Figure 6

The comparison of the mean values of skin hydration between the antibacterial verum and the corresponding placebo shirt halves did not show significant differences between the baseline (T₀), during (T₇–T₂₈) or after the wear trial (T₃₅).