Most people are not allergic to wool. Scientific reviews of allergy and dermatology research show that wool does not trigger an allergic immune response. Sensations of itch or prickle are usually caused by coarse fibres interacting with the skin, rather than by allergy. Superfine and Ultrafine Merino wool fibres bend easily when they contact the skin, which can reduce irritation and may support comfort for people with sensitive skin or eczema.
Is wool an allergen?
A scientific review published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica titled Debunking the Myth of Wool Allergy analysed more than 100 years of research and concluded that wool itself is not an allergen. The findings showed no evidence that wool is an allergen, but found that skin irritation caused by garments was due to coarse fibres with larger diameters, protruding from the fabric. The study found that:
- Sensations of itch and prickle occur when coarse fibres greater than 30-32 microns (µm) press or brush against the skin. This reaction is mechanical irritation rather than an allergic immune response.
- Irritancy describes the reaction following skin contact, rather than interaction with an allergy-specific immune response.
- Wool-evoked prickle sensations and skin irritation are commonly attributed to allergy to wool, despite not being immunologically diagnosed.
- Improvements in measuring raw wool fibre diameter now allow manufacturers to select finer fibres for apparel, helping minimise irritation.
Skin irritation can also occur with other fibres that have a similarly coarse diameter, including some synthetic fibres. However, Merino wool is globally recognised for its high quality fine fibre, which bends easily when in contact with the skin, minimising skin irritation.
Can wool help eczema patients?
Studies have investigated the use of superfine Merino wool garments for people with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. A 2017 peer-reviewed study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that superfine Merino wool was well tolerated and associated with reduced eczema severity in infants and young children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, while a 2019 peer-reviewed study published in Dermatitis found that Merino wool clothing was associated with improvements in both severity and quality of life. These findings are often considered alongside wool’s moisture-management properties, particularly its ability to help buffer the microclimate between the fabric and skin by moderating humidity and temperature. The studies found that:
- Superfine and Ultrafine Merino wool do not cause itch, are well tolerated and may help improve comfort for people with eczema.
- In four dermatology trials, infant, adolescent and adult eczema patients reported reduced symptoms when wearing Superfine Merino wool next to the skin.
- Researchers noted significant reductions in reports of itchy, rough and painful eczema symptoms.
FAQs
Am I allergic to wool?
It is unlikely that you are allergic to wool. Itch is usually caused by irritation from coarse fibres interacting with the skin, rather than an allergic immune response. Superfine wool bends during skin contact, reducing the prickle and itch sensation that may be felt with shorter, coarser fibres.
Is Merino wool good for sensitive skin?
Superfine and Ultrafine Merino wool may be more comfortable for sensitive skin because the fine fibres bend easily when they contact the skin, reducing irritation and prickle sensations.
Why do some fabrics cause itch or prickle on the skin?
Sensations of itch or prickle can occur when coarse fibres greater than about 30–32 microns brush against the skin. This is mechanical irritation rather than an allergic immune response.
GLOSSARY
Allergen: A substance that triggers an allergic immune response in the body, including swelling, redness or itching caused by immune system activity.
Skin irritation: A non-allergic reaction that happens when a material physically stimulates the skin, which may cause sensations such as itch, prickle or discomfort.
Fibre diameter: The thickness of a fibre, usually measured in microns (µm). Fibre diameter influences softness or coarseness, determining how fibres interact with the skin.
Superfine wool: Merino wool fibres typically measuring 17.5 microns or finer, commonly used in apparel worn next to the skin.
Ultrafine wool: Very fine Merino wool fibres typically measuring around 16 microns or finer, used in premium apparel where softness and comfort are important.
Eczema: A chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dryness, redness, cracking and itching. It is also known as atopic dermatitis.
About this content
This content has been developed using Woolmark fibre science resources to provide factual information about the Merino wool fibre and its properties.