ScratchSleeves

ScratchSleeves, scratch mittens for children with reactive skin

ScratchSleeves is a British company specialising in scratch mittens and pyjamas designed for babies and children with sensitive skin or conditions that cause itching. Its catalogue is aimed at families looking to prevent little ones from scratching at night or during flare-ups, and ranges from newborns to junior sizes and even adult designs.

Mittens and pyjamas for different ages

The main range is scratch mittens, available in several versions: Original Cream, SuperSensitive, Special Edition, Stripes and a Cross-over model designed for children who move a lot. Sizes cover from 0 months to junior size 164, depending on the model. The company also sells pyjamas, such as Striped PJ Tops and Striped PJs, available from 6 months to 4 years. There is also a category of adult designs.

Materials and how they work

The mittens combine a soft silk outer layer with a comfortable, stretchy cotton inner layer. The company highlights that the dual-layer design allows the skin to heal and keeps the garment firmly in place without restricting the child's essential movement. The range includes options with one or more layers, and the website offers washing instructions and a guide to choosing the correct size.

Conditions and situations they address

ScratchSleeves' catalogue and informational content cover baby and childhood eczema, chickenpox, cradle cap, impetigo, thumb sucking, hair pulling in babies and toddlers, and the childhood tendency to pick at scabs, stitches and surgical dressings. They also address the use of nasogastric feeding tubes and compulsive skin picking in adults, including that associated with dementia.

Editorial guide and advice

The company publishes The Calm Skin Guide, a guide to managing eczema which, according to its website, is aimed at parents and covers treatments, alternatives, identifying triggers at home, flare-ups, sleep and daily care routines. The book includes comments attributed to family doctor Rosie Wellesley and Dr Philippa Kaye. The shop also offers an online quiz to help choose the most suitable product.

Guarantee and reviews

Purchases of mittens and pyjamas are covered by a no-quibble commercial guarantee, as the company calls it. The website shows an average rating of 4.85 out of 5 based on 2,245 reviews.