Merino wool soothes atopic dermatitis: Study

Separate studies by two Australia-based groups revealed the therapeutic benefits of wearing garments made of superfine Merino wool for those suffering from skin problems, challenging widespread belief that the material can aggravate such conditions.

Clinical research by Murdoch Children's Research Institute from Melbourne and Queensland's QLD Institute of Dermatology have found out that wearing Merino wool apparel can actually soothe atopic dermatitis, also widely known as eczema.

The condition, which is characterized by red, itchy and cracked skin, often starts in childhood, and affects between 12 and 28 percent of children in Western countries.

The study involved more than 65 adults and children living in areas with different climates. The participants were made to wear garments in lightweight 150gsm superfine Merino wool with a micron range finer than 18.6µ. The result is a marked improvement in the skin condition.

The research has been ongoing for more than four years and already produced robust data supporting the skin health benefits of superfine wool-based apparel.

A summary of findings can be viewed here.