An Investigator Blinded, Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Superfine Merino Wool Base Layer Garments (SMWBG) in Children with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Measuring SCORAD1, EASI2, POEM3 and DSA4 Scores

Abstract

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which occurs most often in children compared with the adult AD population [5]. Wool is commonly considered an allergen and trigger for exacerbation of AD. However, Super Fine Merino Wool (SMW) has not been extensively studied and may show some effect in improving AD symptoms such as itch, erythema and induration. To explore this hypothesis, we performed an investigator blinded, repeated measures, self-controlled experimental design study with Super Fine Merino Base Layer Garments (SMWBG). SMWBG were worn by 29 patients with AD between the ages of 6 to 25 years over a 15 week period. We examined the tolerability and potential therapeutic effect of SMWBG (garments worn directly against the skin) in children and young adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). Response was assessed using validated scoring scales: Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD 1 ), Eczema Area Severty Index (EASI 2 ), Patient-Orientated Eczema Measures (POEM 3 ) and a non-validated Dermatitis Severity Assessment (DSA 4 ). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to measure the difference between garment intervention phases. Statistically significant results were observed between the pre-garment intervention phase and the with-garment interventionphases for many of the scores. Results found that SMWBG were well-tolerated in children and young adults as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of AD. This study was conducted in Brisbane, Australia between July 2014 and October 2015 and is Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approved.

Objective comparison of the softness of Australian Soft Rolling Skin wool and ordinary Merino wool

“…6 Recent studies have demonstrated that wearing superfine Merino wool next to the skin produces a stable microclimate for people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, which can be beneficial for relieving symptoms. [7][8][9] In addition, Merino wool has moisture wicking and odor resistant features, which are good traits for making active wear, especially sport wear in cold weather. 10,11 Relevant research reported that 20 participants perceived smooth, lightweight wool fabrics as cooler than comparable woven fabrics of cotton, polyester and a wool/polyester blend when their forearms touched testing samples, with an immediate decrease in the temperature of 0.4-0.8 C observed on the skin surface.…”