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YOUNG eczema sufferers on the Isle of Wight are being invited to take part in a scientific trial at the University of Portsmouth.

Scientists at the university want 300 youngsters aged between one and 15 with moderate to severe eczema from Portsmouth and the Island to test whether wearing silk clothing affects the skin condition.

The study is being led by the University of Nottingham and participants are also being sought from Nottingham, Cambridge and London.

Tara Dean, health sciences and social work professor at the University of Portsmouth, said: "Most treatments of eczema only suppress the condition and may have side-effects.

"Silk clothing is thought to have protective and antimicrobial properties."

The eight-month trial will compare silk underclothing plus normal eczema care to normal care alone. One group will wear silk underwear a bodysuit and leggings or vest and leggings depending on the childs age.

Selected children will need to attend St Marys Hospital four times and parents will also be asked to fill out a weekly questionnaire.

For more information, contact research nurse Jane Grundy of the NHS Isle of Wight Trust on 01983 534178 or e-mail clothes@nottingham.ac.uk

Reporter: sarab@iwcpmail.co.uk

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