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

Int J Dermatol. 2017 May;56(5):589-591. doi: 10.1111/ijd.13541. Epub 2017 Feb 27.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Ammonium Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Ammonium Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Back
  • Clothing
  • Female
  • Fibroins / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Scleroproteins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Ammonium Compounds
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Scleroproteins
  • Fibroins