The Benefits of Using Eczema Gloves for Sleeping

The Benefits of Using Eczema Gloves for Sleeping

Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. It can flare up and cause significant discomfort, especially at night when trying to sleep. Using gloves specially designed for eczema can help provide relief and allow for a better night's sleep.

What Are Eczema Gloves?

Eczema gloves are gloves made from soft, breathable fabrics that provide a barrier between your skin and the environment. They protect your hands from irritants and allergens that may worsen eczema symptoms. The gloves also keep you from scratching your skin while you sleep, preventing further damage and allowing your skin time to heal.

Eczema gloves are often seamless to avoid skin irritation from seams and stitches. They are loose-fitting for comfort and made of fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or silk that feel soft against sensitive skin. Some options are mittens or fingerless gloves so your hands stay covered but you maintain dexterity.

How Eczema Gloves Help at Night

Wearing eczema gloves at night provides several key benefits:

• Protect hands from scratching - Prevents subconscious scratching that damages skin.
• Reduce irritation - Provides a smooth, non-irritating barrier between skin and surroundings.
• Moisturize skin - Silk and cotton fabrics help seal in moisture from creams.
• Avoid germs - Provides protection from bacteria and viruses on surfaces.
• Promote healing - Gives skin a chance to repair and regenerate overnight.
• Prevent flare ups - Helps minimize triggers that exacerbate eczema.

Overall, eczema gloves create an optimal environment for your skin to heal and regenerate while you get restful sleep. They shield your hands from many common eczema triggers you may encounter in bed.

Types of Eczema Gloves

There are a few main options when it comes to selecting eczema gloves for sleeping:

Cotton

Cotton gloves are lightweight and breathable. Cotton is a soft, hypoallergenic material that feels gentle against sensitive skin. Cotton allows airflow to your hands so they don't get overly hot. The fabric also absorbs moisture to keep hands comfortably dry.

Silk

Silk gloves are incredibly smooth and soft. The slippery texture of silk doesn't cause friction against your skin. Silk doesn't absorb moisture, helping to lock in the skin's natural oils and emollients from moisturizers. The fabric breathes well, making silk gloves a good choice for warmer weather.

Bamboo

Bamboo gloves offer antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties. Bamboo viscose is naturally moisture-wicking to keep hands dry. The fabric is soft, breathable, and regulates temperature well. Bamboo gloves may be a good option for sensitive skin prone to infections.

Compression

Compression gloves apply gentle pressure to hands and may help reduce inflammation. The snug fit also prohibits scratching. Compression gloves are often seamless and made of soft fabrics like cotton-spandex blends.

Fingerless/Mittens

Fingerless gloves or mittens allow you to keep hands covered while retaining free use of your fingers and thumbs. This can be ideal if you need access to touch screens or other activities at night.

Features to Look For

When shopping for the best eczema gloves for sleeping, keep these features in mind:

• Soft, smooth fabrics - Avoid rough, irritating materials.
• Breathability - Look for moisture-wicking, well-ventilated fabrics.
• Loose fit - Ensure they are not too tight or restrictive.
• Full coverage - Should protect entire hands and wrists.
• Machine washable - Easily clean gloves to remove allergens.
• Durability - Choose well-made gloves that won't rip or tear easily.
• Non-irritating seams - Seamless is ideal; if not, ensure flat seams.
• Comfort - Consider length, coverage, and fabrics for optimal comfort.

Tips for Use and Care

To get the most out of your eczema gloves at night:

• Wash new gloves before first use to remove manufacturing residues.
• Clean gloves regularly to prevent buildup of allergens and microbes.
• Apply moisturizer before putting gloves on to seal in moisture.
• Use cotton gloves over wet wraps to prolong moisture exposure.
• Try silk liner gloves under outer gloves for extra softness.
• Keep nails trim to avoid accidentally scratching inside gloves.
• Use gloves only for sleeping to prolong their lifespan.
• Replace gloves every few months or when they start to pill or fray.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep with Eczema

In addition to using eczema gloves, making certain lifestyle adjustments can also help you sleep better with eczema symptoms:

• Control temperature and humidity - Keep bedroom air cool and use a humidifier.
• Choose soft, breathable bedding - Avoid irritating fabrics that trap heat.
• Shower before bed - Wash off dirt, pollen, and germs from the day.
• Moisturize hands thoroughly - Apply thicker creams and ointments before gloving.
• Take antihistamines - Oral anti-itch medications can provide relief at night.
• Disinfect before bed - Clean high-touch surfaces to remove allergens.
• Reduce stress - Try relaxing rituals to lower stress hormones that worsen eczema.

Common Concerns and Solutions

Some common questions and issues that arise with eczema gloves at night include:

My hands get too hot.

Try cotton, bamboo, or silk gloves for better breathability. You can also use fingerless or half-fingered gloves for more airflow.

The gloves make my skin itch.

Ensure gloves are loose-fitting and made of non-irritating materials. You may need to try a different fabric if standard options still cause reactions.

I can't use my phone with gloves on.

Fingerless gloves allow you access to use touchscreen devices at night. You can also apply moisturizer and put gloves on right before sleep.

Taking gloves on and off disturbs my sleep.

Apply moisturizer right before putting gloves on for the night to avoid having to remove them prematurely. Keep extras on hand in case of bathroom trips.

My gloves look dirty and dingy quickly.

It's essential to wash gloves regularly to keep them clean. Having multiple pairs makes it easier to launder them properly.

Best Eczema Gloves for Sleeping

Here are some top-rated gloves to consider for eczema relief at night:

Peachy Clean Bamboo Gloves

Allergy-friendly bamboo material, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, breathable

DermAware Cotton Eczema Gloves

Soft OEKO-TEX certified cotton, non-binding cuffs, machine washable

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.