These 7 Bed Sheets Won’t Irritate Eczematic Skin, According to a Dermatologist
Yes, eczema freakin' sucks, but if you can identify the culprits, preventative measures aren't too far to fetch. By reducing stress, wearing skin-friendly sweaters, and/or applying fragrance-free skin-care products, you can likely bypass flareups and irritation. If you're struggling with itching and sensitivity all over your body, though, it can be easy to overlook this one thing: bedding. To better understand how bedding can cause eczematic flareups, we spoke with a dermatologist—then we got to work on finding the best bed sheets for eczema on the market today.
- Leah Ansell, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Columbia University
The best bed sheets for eczema, at a glance:
- Best eucalyptus sheets: Sijo, Airy Weight Eucalyptus Sheet Set, $95
- Best bamboo sheets: Cozy Earth, Bamboo Sheet Set, $389
- Best organic cotton: Boll and Branch, Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, $229
- Best cooling: Eucalypso, Classic Sheet Set, $249
- Best luxury feel: Brooklinen, Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set, $179
- Best extra-soft: Purple, SoftStretch Sheet Set, $229
- Best color options: Charter Club, Cotton 4-Piece Sheet Set, $200
Do bed sheets affect eczema?
"Rough bedding can irritate sensitive skin and particularly those with eczema," says Leah Ansell, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center. "It can cause abrasions to already sensitive skin, which can allow inflammation or infections to occur." The good news is, the best bedding for eczema can work wonders on compromised skin.
What to look for in sheets for eczema
What type of sheets are best for itchy skin? Since eczematic skin can be easily irritated, Dr. Ansell says to avoid scratchy fabrics like wool, flannel, and linen. Instead, opt for softer and gentler fabrics like 100 percent cotton, silk, or sateen sheets, particularly those with a higher thread count. "This usually indicates softer sheets" that can prevent abrasion or rubbing, she adds.
How you take care of your bedding matters, too. Per Dr. Ansell, it's important to give your sheets a regular wash using fragrance-free detergent to soften your sheets and prevent further irritation. Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to itch-free territory.
We asked a dermatologist to share their hot tips and recommendations for choosing eczema-friendly bedding. Here are the best bed sheets for eczema you'll want to add to your lineup.
Shop the best bed sheets for eczema
Sizes available: Twin to California king
The eucalyptus fibers in this Sijo Sheet Set harbor the perfect environment against heat, bacteria, and odors. Naturally, eucalyptus fibers are breathable, anti-microbial, and have moisture-wicking capabilities that keep sweat at bay. What’s more, the fibers render these sheets super duper soft and aren’t abrasive against eczema-prone skin. Available in eight colors, from forest green to sky blue, this set is all you need for a restful snooze.
Colors: 8
Materials: Eucalyptus-derived Tencel Lyocell
Pros:
- Breathable, antimicrobial eucalyptus fibers
- You can choose to add (or exclude) a flat sheet
Cons:
- Fitted sheet is less deep (mattresses up to 16 inches) compared to other options on the list
Sizes available: Twin to split king
Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set looks like it could be straight out of a home decor catalog. Made of viscose-derived bamboo, these oversized sheets are extremely soft and breathable, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin and sweaty sleepers. Included in this kit are a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two oh-so-soft pillow cases that’ll have you hitting the hay as soon as your head touches the pillow.
Colors: 10+
Materials: 100% bamboo viscose
Pros:
- Lots of color options
- Good for hot sleepers
- Deeper pockets fit mattresses up to 20 inches
Cons:
- Higher price point
Sizes available: Twin to split king
For luxury you can literally feel (and see), we recommend Boll and Branch. “These sheets are incredibly soft and are made of 100 percent organic cotton,” explains Dr. Ansell. They’re unlikely to irritate skin and just get softer with each wash. Buttery, breathable, and made of the highest quality cotton—seriously, what’s not to love about these sheets?
Colors: 9
Materials: 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton
Pros:
- Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Gets softer with each wash
- Fits deeper mattresses (up to 17 inches)
Cons:
- Color options are mostly neutrals
Sizes available: Twin to California king
Make itchy skin a thing of the past with these ultra-soft, eucalyptus sheets. These Eucalypso sheets feel cool-to-the-touch and have thermo-regulating abilities. How, you might ask? Well, these sheets are spun from eucalyptus wood that give them its cooling superpowers. Anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, these sheets will give your eczema a run for its money.
Colors: 8
Materials: Bamboo-derived Tencel Lyocell
Pros:
- Cool-to-the-touch feel makes them great for hot sleepers
- Designed to fit deeper mattresses (up to 18 inches)
Cons:
- Not as many color options
Sizes available: Twin to California king
These sheets come recommended by Dr. Ansell for people with sensitive skin. “They are 480-count cotton sateen sheets,” making them more gentler and breathable on sensitive skin, she says. As the name implies, these sheets give five-star luxury hotel, so if you’re looking for buttery soft bedding, upgrade to these—you won’t be disappointed.
Colors: 10+
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Pros:
- Sateen finish gives them a soft, luxurious feel
- Variety of colors and patterns to choose from
- More affordable than other options on this list
Cons:
- Not as stretchy, no deep-pocket option
Sizes available: Twin to split king
Silky smooth, stretchy, and breathable—Purple’s Soft Stretch Sheets are what you’ll want in your bedding arsenal. These sheets are made of a blend of polyester, spandex, and bamboo viscose that make any bed feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. So soft, it’s like these sheets were hand-woven by angels. It also features an elastic band that’s like a big hug for your mattress, making it easier to make the bed in the a.m.
Colors: 6
Material: Polyester, spandex, and bamboo blend
Pros:
- Choice between standard or deep-pocket fitted sheets
- Stretchy material moves with softer beds
Cons:
- Less color options than other picks
Sizes available: Twin to California king
Charter Club’s Luxe Sleep Set ticks all of the boxes for eczema-friendly bedding. “These 100 percent cotton, 800-thread count sheets feel soft and smooth and get softer with each wash,” says Dr. Ansell. What’s more, these sheets are OEKO-TEX-certified, so you don’t have to worry about your sheets being derived from harmful chemicals. Irritation and redness, we don’t know them.
Colors: 15+
Material: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Options for deep-pocket queen and king (fits up to 21 inches)
- Wide variety of colors to choose from
Cons:
- Not as soft (initially) as other options on this list
Things to consider before buying
Your mattress' depth
Name something more annoying than making your bed with a fitted sheet—we'll wait. But in all seriousness, mattress depth is something to consider when shopping for new bedding. We noted how deep the fitted sheet was on all of the options above so you can keep that in mind as you peruse (you'll thank yourself later!).
Your sleep temperature
While there aren't any flannel or wool options on our list, some of the materials on our list feel better for hot sleepers than others. Cotton is rather temperature-neutral, while bamboo and eucalyptus tend to be cooler to the touch. If you're worried about getting cold (especially as temperatures drop) consider layering blankets on top of your top sheet.
Your aesthetic
This one goes without saying, but your sheets are something you'll engage with on a daily basis—literally—so it's important that you like the way they look! These days you can find quality sheets in just about any color or pattern, so be sure to keep your bedroom aesthetic in mind when shopping around.
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