Woven Comfort: Navigating Hyperesthesia through Fabric Innovation

Abstract

Hyperesthesia is characterized by heightened sensitivity to stimuli that typically does not evoke pain, manifesting as allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli) or hyperalgesia (exaggerated pain from painful stimuli). This condition is commonly linked to neuropathic pain, arising from nerve fiber damage or alterations, particularly affecting A-fibers. Hyperesthesia can result from systemic diseases, mechanical trauma, or hereditary factors, affecting approximately 10% of the population. Mechanical hyperesthesia, the more common type, results from heightened sensitization of the somatosensory system, leading to discomfort from light stimuli like pinpricks or clothing friction.

Managing hyperesthesia requires a multidisciplinary approach focusing on both underlying causes and improving quality of life. First-line treatments include antidepressants (TCAs and SNRIs), gabapentinoids, and topical agents like lidocaine and capsaicin. For refractory cases, interventional therapies, such as nerve blocks and neurostimulation, may be considered, though these are not first-line treatments due to limited evidence. Additionally, non-pharmacological approaches like choosing friction-reducing clothing fabrics play a critical role. Clothing materials with low friction coefficients, such as cotton or silk, can significantly improve comfort by reducing sensory triggers for those with hyperesthesia. Further research into fabric technologies, such as friction-reducing treatments and textronics, offers promising avenues for improving comfort and pain management.