Amsamani, S2017-01-242017-01-242010https://ir.avinuty.ac.in/handle/avu/1132h e awareness of health and hygiene for consumers has increased the demand for antimicrobial textiles. Whilst in the past it w as predominantly technical textiles that had antimicrobial finishes, in particular to protect against bacteria and fungi, nowadays textiles worn close to the body have been developed for a variety of different applications in the field of medicine and hygiene. An antimicrobial finish on fabrics can minimise the transfer of microorganisms on to the wearer by creating a physical barrier. It prevents skin diseases caused by the microorganisms. Various medicinal plants found in nature exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties. A new approach is made to make textile material antimicrobial using natural extracts on cotton fabrics to cure skin allergies. The 'miracle plant'. Indian Acalypha (Kuppivaeni). which is a commonly available plant in Tamil Nadu, wa s chosen for the study, which involved the applications of Kuppivaeni-leaf extracts on to cotton fabric by optimising the process conditions and then treating the fabrics with different concentrations. The treated samples were tested for activity as per AATCC 147. i AATCC 100 and AATCC 30 agar diffusion test methods. 100% treated fabric was found to be much softer and its washing fastness was found to be better than all the other treated samples. An attempt w as also made to a ssess the healing activity of the Kuppivaeni-treated shirr on skin allergies and rashes. This ecofriendly antimicrobial finish has significant potential in curing skin ., diseases and offers excellent scope in forthcoming years.