Wool next your skin? You’re probably thinking I’m crazy but this was something of a revelation for me too. Merino wool is actually officially recognised as suitable for people with asthma and eczema skin.
I discovered merino wool in the Lake District a few years ago when I had a pair of thin walking trousers and was finding I couldn’t keep my legs warm. Rather than invest in another pair of expensive thicker lined walking trousers I found some merino longs. The shop assistant assured me that they would not irritate my skin. I was sceptical but they did feel very soft and smooth and so I left the shop with my very first merino garment; Smartwool merino longs. (Update: I still have them some ten years later)
Well, let’s just say they are now one of my most often worn winter items of clothing. I wear them all the time. They are far more comfortable than cotton tights, much warmer and don’t irritate my skin at all.
I also now have a few pairs of these short ankle running socks – they are so comfy and seen to prevent any sweating so I’ve never had blisters wearing them.
Is Merino wool better for eczema skin?
A recent study on people with atopic dermatitis in 2019 proved that, ‘Merino wool clothing compared with standard clothing provided improvements in severity of atopic dermatitis as well as quality of life in atopic patients.’ You can read Effects of Merino Wool on Atopic Dermatitis here.