Silk textile with antimicrobial AEM5772/5 (Dermasilk): a pilot study with positive influence on acne vulgaris on the back.

BACKGROUND: The use of special silk textiles (Dermasilk) has shown positive effects on chronic inflammatory diseases like lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, atopic dermatitis, diabetic ulcerations, and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVE: Wearing T-shirts of this particular fabric could be useful in the management of patients with acne vulgaris on the back and trunk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dermasilk T-shirts were given to 14 patients with acne vulgaris papulopustulosa on the back. The patients wore these shirts every night for 6 weeks, and their acne lesions were monitored. Dermasilk represents a polymerisate of fibroin, a silk protein, and antimicrobial AEM5772/5, an unsoluble colorless, odorless ammonium with antifungal and antibacterial ability.

RESULTS: Photographic documentation before and after 6 weeks showed a clinically significant reduction in acne lesions on the back without any concomitant treatment or change in lifestyle and living conditions.

DISCUSSION: The use of Dermasilk textiles in other subacute-chronic inflammatory skin diseases has shown positive effects. This is the first report on their safe and effective use in the management of acne vulgaris papulopustulosa corporis.