Effects of Merino Wool on Atopic Dermatitis Using Clinical, Quality of Life, and Physiological Outcome Measures

Abstract

Background Wool clothing may be perceived as a poor choice for use by individuals with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis. Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect on atopic dermatitis of wearing fine Merino wool clothing versus standard clothing and to assess the effect of Merino wool clothing on quality of life in children and adults with atopic dermatitis 5 years and older. Methods Subjects with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were assessed in a crossover fashion after wearing Merino wool clothing for 6 weeks and standard clothing for 6 weeks, for Eczema Area and Severity Index, Dermatology Life Quality Index, static Investigator's Global Assessment, and skin hydration. Results While wearing Merino wool clothing, compared with standard clothing, statistically significant improvements were seen in mean Eczema Area and Severity Index scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index scores, and static Investigator's Global Assessment scores. No significant difference was seen with skin hydration. Wearing Merino wool clothing did not produce any negative cutaneous effects compared with wearing standard clothing. Conclusions Merino wool clothing compared with standard clothing provided improvements in severity of atopic dermatitis as well as quality of life in atopic patients.

A review of clothing microbiology: the history of clothing and the role of microbes in textiles

“…Additionally, fibre dyeing and finishing can cause skin irritation [26][27][28], which may lead to allergic contact dermatitis and might also affect skin microbial composition. Moisture management, air permeability and heat transfer regulation of particular fabrics are strongly affected by fibre type and might impact the skin microclimate [29,30], which could alter microbial community structure. Finally, skin occlusion by clothing may elevate the skin pH, compromising skin barrier function, which could favour the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes [31,32].…”

The science behind the wool industry. The importance and value of wool production from sheep

“…A recent study evaluated the effects of quality of life and physiological measures of adults and children with atopic dermatitis while wearing 17.5 µm fine Merino wool for 6 wk compared with standard clothing for 6 wk. The Merino wool clothing provided improvements in mean eczema area and severity index scores and dermatology life quality index scores, compared with standard clothing ( Fowler et al, 2019 ).…”

Effects of novel diabetic therapeutic footwear on preventing ulcer recurrence in patients with a history of diabetic foot ulceration: study protocol for an open-label, randomized, controlled trial

“…Merino wool is a high-quality type of wool which enables the production of lighter and softer wool fabrics with its long and fine fibers [ 17 ]. Shoe vamp and lining with merino wool had unique water absorption capacity, could adjust the temperature of the sole of the foot and produce a feeling of coolness or warmth, resisted odor and pathogenic bacteria, and was not easy to cause itchy skin, which could improve comfort and patients’ footwear adherence [ 18 – 20 ]. Among patients with diabetes, microvascular and macrovacular disease frequently contribute to reduced blood perfusion and skin oxygenation of feet which were independently related to foot ulcer risk.…”