Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer-processed fabric, which is characterized by its biocompatibility, and Pebax® fabric, which is characterized by its water absorption and diffusion, and vapor permeability in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Methods: Fifty-three children with AD were recruited to a randomized, controlled trial: 19 wore MPC underwear, 17 wore Pebax® underwear, and the other 17 (control group) wore cotton underwear; they were instructed to wear this underwear for 4 weeks. The severity of AD was evaluated using the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. In addition, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, growth hormone, cortisol, and s-IgA were assessed.
Results: A significant decrease in AD severity was observed in the children in the Pebax® (p=0.008) and control (p=0.003) groups, while the decrease in the MPC group was not significant. Growth hormone was increased significantly in the MPC group, compared with the controls (p=0.009), while stratum corneum hydration was increased in the Pebax® group (p=0.020).
Conclusion: MPC fiber, the new synthetic fiber Pebax®, and cotton appear to be safe for prolonged use. Furthermore, underwear fabrics appear to have different effects on physiological function in children with AD.
