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Chile's Codelco to assess copper garments for EB patients

14 Aug '13

2 min read

Chile’s National Copper Corporation (Codelco), in collaboration with Copper Andino, Monarch Textile Group and the Debra Foundation for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Children has announced a research to evaluate the use of antimicrobial copper garments for management of injuries in children and youth affected with the disease.

The Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin condition also known as ‘crystal skin’. The disease is found worldwide and affects males and females of all races.

According to a statement issued by Codelco, the corporation would start a seven month clinical trial to assess the hypothesis that usage of copper fibres and garments can improve the quality of skin and help in wound management for patients with EB.

For the research protocol, the corporation has currently designed and manufactured socks, shirts, tubular and innerwear with copper fibres for the patients as a prototype.

Victor Perez, manager of Business Planning and Market Development in Codelco, said there would be fortnightly tests conducted with a three month follow up, where various types of records and assessments using different scales would be carried out to evaluate the positive trend that occurs by the use of copper fibres in the injuries of patients with crystal skin.

The corporation had conducted a preliminary study on patients with crystal skin by making them wear copper socks and found improvement in the lesions on their skin.

Mr. Perez said the study motivated the corporation to deepen its commitment towards improving lives of EB patients and conduct a research to prove that scientifically the properties of copper fibres helps to remove viruses, bacteria and fungi as well as accelerate the healing process in the case of existing wounds and lesions.

The research could help create a positive impact on the care and treatment for EB patients, he added.

Copper creates a natural protective zone that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It aides healing and improves skin tone by reducing blemishes and also creates a barrier against infection.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India