MOISTURISING FABRIC AND THE USE THEREOF

[0001 ] The present application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application no. 2022902911 filed 6 October 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by cross-reference.

Field of the disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to moisturising fabrics and the use thereof in the treatment of skin diseases.

Background of the disclosure

[0003] Any discussion of the prior art throughout this specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] There is an increasing need in the medical apparel market for moisturising fabrics. Clothing based on such fabrics may be effective in preventing dry skin, improving the human body’s perspiration mechanism and alleviating symptoms of skin diseases, such as eczema.

[0005] Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is a common disease and requires long-term treatment. Eczema patients may have cutaneous barrier dysfunction, alloknesis, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. The main strategies to treat eczema include (i) topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment to suppress inflammation; (ii) topical emollients to treat the cutaneous physiologic abnormalities; and (iii) identification and avoidance of exacerbating factors in daily life.

[0006] In long-term control of eczema, countermeasures against aggravating factors in daily life are particularly important. Exacerbating factors include temperature, perspiration, clothing fabrics, stress, food, alcohol drinking, and poor body conditioning. In these factors, temperature, perspiration, and clothing fabrics can be improved by changing clothing fabrics. Moreover, as fabrics are in prolonged contact with the human skin, fabrics are an important component of the skin environment. Therefore, appropriate fabric selection is an important treatment for eczema patients.

[0007] Other existing treatments for eczema include the application of water directly onto the skin via an applicator such as a bandage. However, direct contact between the skin and water will lead to wrinkling of the outer layer of the skin due to a breakdown in the structure of the stratum corneum. Furthermore, the water applied may also disturb the pH of the acid mantle of the skin (which has a pH between about 4.5 and 6.5). Maintenance of the acid mantle is important for skin health due to its ability to repel bacteria and reduce the risk of skin infection.

[0008] The present inventor has developed fabrics suitable for use in moisturising clothing applications which are able to rapidly absorb and efficiently transport perspiration to the outer surface of the fabric where it is retained. Such fabrics may provide a moisturising effect to the skin without imparting a sensation of wetness or dampness to the wearer.

Summary of the disclosure

[0009] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a fabric comprising: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers or regenerated cellulose fibres; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0010] The following options may be used in conjunction with the first aspect of the disclosure, either individually or in any combination.

[0011 ] In one embodiment, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure comprises: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure comprises: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure consists of: a first yarn consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn consisting of elastolefin fibers; and a third yarn consisting of regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure comprises: a first yarn consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn consisting of elastic fibers; and a third yarn consisting of regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure comprises: a first yarn consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn consisting of elastolefin fibers; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0016] The first yarn may be a filament yarn.

[0017] The PLA fibers may have a cross-section that is X-shaped.

[0018] The first yarn may be between about 40-denier and about 150-denier, or between about 40-denier and about 85-denier, or between about 50-denier and about 75-denier, or about 50- denier, or about 75-denier. The filament fineness of first yarn may be between about 1 denier and about 2 denier, or between about 1 denier and about 1 .5 denier, or about 1 .2 denier. The first yarn may have a diameter of between about 70 and about 100 pm, or of about 91 pm. The first yarn may have a diameter of between about 30 and about 60 pm, or of about 46 pm.

[0019] The first yarn may have a stitch length/100 loop between about 20 cm and about 40 cm, or between about 25 cm and about 35 cm.

[0020] The first yarn may comprise between about 15% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 30% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 35% and about 55% by weight of the fabric. The first yarn may comprise about 45% by weight of the fabric. The first yarn may comprise about 47% by weight of the fabric.

[0021 ] The first yarn may consist of PLA fibers.

[0022] The first yarn may keep perspiration away from a wearer when in contact with the wearer's skin in use. [0023] The second yarn may be a filament yarn.

[0024] The second yarn may be between about 25-denier and about 65-denier, or between about 33-denier and about 55-denier, or about 33-denier, or about 42-denier, or about 55- denier. The second yarn may have a diameter of between about 60 and about 90 urn, or of about 73 urn. The second yarn may have a diameter of between about 20 and about 50 urn, or of about 36 urn.

[0025] The second yarn may have a stitch length/100 loop between about 5 cm and about 20 cm, or between about 10 cm and about 15 cm.

[0026] The second yarn may comprise between about 5% and about 20% by weight of the fabric, or between about 8% and about 15% by weight of the fabric. The second yarn may comprise about 12% by weight of the fabric. The second yarn may comprise about 9% by weight of the fabric.

[0027] The elastic fibers may be selected from the group consisting of elastolefin, elastane, diene elastic, polyether ester elastic fiber, and polyolefin elastomer fibers. The elastic fibers may be elastane. The second yarn may comprise or consist of elastane.

[0028] In some embodiments, particularly where the fabric is not required to be elastic, the second yarn may have the same composition as the third yarn. The second yarn may be a spun yarn having the same composition as the third yarn. That is, the second yarn may comprise regenerated cellulose fibres as defined in respect of the third yarn.

[0029] The third yarn may have a moisture regain between about 10% and about 20%, or about 13%.

[0030] The third yarn may be a spun yarn.

[0031 ] The third yarn may further comprise polyester or cotton.

[0032] The regenerated cellulose fibers may be modal, Tencel, rayon, Cuprammonium fiber, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The regenerated cellulose fibers may be modal.

[0034] The third yarn may consist of modal.

[0035] The third yarn may comprise between about 30% and about 80% by weight of the fabric, between about 30% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 33% and about 53% by weight of the fabric. The third yarn may comprise about 43% by weight of the fabric.

The third yarn may comprise about 44% by weight of the fabric.

[0036] The third yarn may have a stitch length/100 loop between about 20 cm and about 40 cm, or between about 26 cm and about 36 cm.

[0037] The third yarn may have a thread count between about 30 tex and about 5 tex, between about 10 tex and about 7 tex, or between about 5 tex and about 7 tex, or a thread count of about 9.7 tex, 8.3 tex or 7.3 tex. The third yarn may have a diameter of between about 60 and about 90 pm, or of about 79 pm. The third yarn may have a diameter of between about 20 and about 50 pm, or of about 39 pm.

[0038] The third yarn may receive perspiration removed from the wearer's skin and retain the perspiration such that it is not in contact with the wearer's skin, thus removing perspiration from the skin.

[0039] Perspiration trapped in the third yarn may generate water vapour which provides a moisturising effect to the wearer's skin without imparting a sensation of dampness to the wearer.

[0040] The second yarn may be inter-knitted between the first yarn and the third yarn.

[0041 ] The first, second and third yarns may be present as layers.

[0042] The fabric may consist of three layers.

[0043] The first yarn may form a bottom layer, the second yarn may form a middle layer and the third yarn may form a top layer.

[0044] In one embodiment the fabric may comprise or consist of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric adapted to be in contact with the skin of a wearer; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer.

[0045] In one embodiment the fabric may comprise or consist of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric adapted to be in contact with the skin of a wearer; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer.

[0046] In one embodiment the fabric may comprise or consist of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric adapted to be in contact with the skin of a wearer; a second yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer.

[0047] The fabric may be a knitted fabric.

[0048] The knitted fabric may be a jersey fabric, which may be a single knit or a double knit fabric.

[0049] The fabric may be a moisturising fabric.

[0050] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of clothing when produced from, or comprising, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0051 ] The following options may be used in conjunction with the second aspect of the disclosure, either individually or in any combination.

[0052] In one embodiment, the article of clothing of the second aspect of the disclosure is produced from, or comprises a fabric comprising or consisting of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric adapted to be in contact with the skin of a wearer; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer.

[0053] The article of clothing may be a shirt, singlet, jersey, pyjamas, maillot, fleece, shorts, pants, hood, running hat, skull cap, helmet liner, mask, headband or socks,

[0054] In a third aspect the present disclosure provides a method for the treatment of dermatitis in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising applying to an area of the subject's body affected by the dermatitis, a fabric of the first aspect, or an article of clothing of the second aspect. The dermatitis may be atopic dermatitis, i.e. eczema.

[0055] In a fourth aspect the present disclosure provides a fabric of the first aspect, or an article of clothing of the second aspect for use in treatment of dermatitis in a subject in need thereof.

[0056] In a fifth aspect the present disclosure provides a use of the fabric of the first aspect in the manufacture of an article of clothing for the treatment of dermatitis in a subject in need thereof. The dermatitis may be atopic dermatitis, i.e. eczema.

Definitions

[0057] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term "comprising" means "including principally, but not necessarily solely".

[0058] In the context of this specification the terms "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0059] The term "about" is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

[0060] In the context of this specification the term "yarn" is understood to mean a continuous length of interlocked fibers that can be made into a textile material. [0061 ] In the context of this specification the term "filament yarn" is understood to mean a yarn made of one or more continuous fibers in the form of filaments in which each filament runs the entire length of the yarn.

[0062] In the context of this specification the term "spun yarn" is understood to mean staplelength fibers twisted or spun together to form a continuous strand.

[0063] In the context of this specification yarn may refer to single stranded yarn, a double stranded yarn, or a greater than double stranded yarn.

[0064] In the context of this specification the term "denier" refers to a unit of measurement for the linear mass density of fibers defined as mass (in grams) per 9000 meters of the fiber.

[0065] In the context of this specification, "S" refers to the English yarn number, which provides the number of 840 yard strands per 1 English pound of mass. For example, 60S means that 60 strands of 840 yards length weigh 1 pound. The corresponding SI unit is "tex", wherein 1 tex = 583.1/S for a cellulose yarn, and 1 tex = 590.5/S for a synthetic yarn.

[0066] In the context of this specification the terms "treating" and "treatment" refer to any and all uses that remedy a specified disease or condition, or symptoms thereof, or otherwise hinder, retard, or reverse the progression of a specified disease or condition, or other undesirable symptoms thereof, in any way whatsoever. As such, the terms "treating" and "treatment" are to be considered in their broadest context. For example, treatment does not necessarily imply that a subject is treated until total recovery.

[0067] In the context of this specification, the terms "eczema" and "atopic dermatitis" are used interchangeably and refer to inflammation of the skin, causing it to become dry, itchy, swollen, red, and/or cracked.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0068] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 1. Schematic of fabric construction.

[0070] Figure 2. (a) Face of fabric under hundredfold magnification, (b) Face of fabric under hundredfold magnification.

[0071 ] Figure 3. (a) Back of fabric under hundredfold magnification, (b) Back of fabric under hundredfold magnification. [0072] Figure 4. Side view of fabric under magnification.

[0073] Figure 5. Schematic of the clothing-human-environment.

[0074] Figure 6. Shirts prepared with fabric according to the first aspect of the disclosure, (a) Winter shirt, (b) Summer shirt.

[0075] Figure 7. Schematic of study protocol.

[0076] Figure 8. Study outcomes, (a) EASI measurements before and after wearing T-shirt in summer and winter, (b) POEM measurements before and after wearing T-shirt in summer and winter, (c) Itch VAS measurements before and after wearing T-shirt in summer and winter, (d) Skin pH measurements before and after wearing T-shirt in summer and winter, (e) SCWC measurements before and after wearing T-shirt in summer and winter, (f) TSQM-9 scores before and after wearing T-shirt in summer and winter.

Detailed description

[0077] In one aspect the present disclosure provides a fabric comprising or consisting of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0078] The first yarn may comprise PLA fibers. In some embodiments, the first yarn may consist of PLA fibers. PLA is a hydrophobic fiber and is low in moisture regain, therefore it helps to get rid of sweat moisture from the skin and enhance evaporation. Drying sweat efficiently may avoid aggravation of eczema by keeping the skin surface dry. PLA also has a pH value of 5.5, which is close to the natural pH of skin, and is non-allergenic. Thus in some embodiments, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure does not contain any additives for pH adjustment.

[0079] In some embodiments the first yarn may be between about 40-denier and about 150- denier, between about 40-denier and about 85-denier, or between about 40-denier and about 80-denier, or between about 45-denier and about 75-denier, or between about 50-denier and about 75-denier, or about 50-denier, or about 75-denier. The filament fineness of first yarn may be between about 1 denier and about 2 denier, or between about 1 denier and about 1 .5 denier, or about 1 .2 denier. The first yarn may have a diameter of between about 30 and about 100 pm, or between about 30-40, 30-50, 30-60, 30-70, 30-80, 30-90, 40-50, 40-60, 40- 70, 40-80, 40-90, 40-100, 50-60, 50-70, 50-80, 50-90, 50-100, 60-70, 60-80, 60-90, 60-100, 70-80, 70-90, 80-90, 80-100, or between about 90 and about 100 pm. The first yarn may have a diameter of about 30 urn, or about 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or about 100 urn. The first yarn may have a diameter of about 91 urn, or of about 46 urn.

[0080] In some embodiments the first yarn may comprise between about 15% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 30% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 35% and about 55% by weight of the fabric. The first yarn may comprise about 45% by weight of the fabric. The first yarn may comprise about 47% by weight of the fabric.

[0081 ] The second yarn comprises or consists of elastic fibers. Any suitable elastic fibers may be used, which serve to provide the fabric with elastic properties. Suitable elastic fibers include elastolefin, elastane, diene elastic, polyether ester elastic fiber, and polyolefin elastomer fibers. Elastolefin is a fiber comprising 95% by weight of macromolecules partially cross-linked made of ethylene and at least one other olefin. When stretched to one and a half times its original length, elastolefin recovers rapidly to its original length. Elastane is a polyether-polyurea copolymer fiber, also known as spandex, and by the trade name Lycra®. In some embodiments, the second yarn comprises elastolefin. In some embodiments, the second yarn consists of elastolefin. In some embodiments, the second yarn comprises elastane. In some embodiments, the second yarn consists of elastane.

[0082] In some embodiments the second yarn may be between about 25-denier and about 65-denier, or between about 30-denier and about 60-denier, or between about 33-denier and about 55-denier, or about 33-denier, or about 42-denier, or about 55-denier. The second yarn may have a diameter of between about 20 and about 90 pm, or between about 20-30, 20-40, 20-50, 20-60, 20-70, 20-80, 30-40, 30-50, 30-60, 30-70, 30-80, 30-90, 40-50, 40-60, 40-70, 40-80, 40-90, 50-60, 50-70, 50-80, 50-90, 60-70, 60-80, 70-80, 70-90, or between about 80 and about 90 pm. The second yarn may have a diameter of about 30 pm, or about 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or about 90 pm. The second yarn may have a diameter of about 73 pm. The second yarn may have a diameter of about 36 pm.

[0083] In some embodiments the second yarn may comprise between about 5% and about 20% by weight of the fabric, or between about 8% and about 15% by weight of the fabric. The second yarn may comprise about 12% by weight of the fabric. The second yarn may comprise about 9% by weight of the fabric.

[0084] In some embodiments, particularly where the fabric is not required to be elastic, the second yarn may have the same composition as the third yarn. The second yarn may be a spun yarn having the same composition as the third yarn. That is, the second yarn may comprise regenerated cellulose fibres as defined in respect of the third yarn. In some embodiments, when the second yarn comprises regenerated cellulose fibres, the regenerated cellulose fibres are modal. In relation to the functionality of the fabric, the regenerated cellulose fibres connect the first and third yarns (the top and bottom layers) and enable moisture to diffuse from the bottom layer to the top layer. The regenerated cellulose fibres also provide thickness and stiffness, contributing to the aesthetic appearance of the fabric.

[0085] The third yarn comprises or consists of regenerated cellulose fibers. Regenerated cellulose fibers are made from cellulose extracted from wood pulp, cotton, bamboo, or any other source of cellulose, which is chemically dissolved and then subsequently extruded. In some embodiments the regenerated cellulose fibers are modal, Tencel, rayon, Cuprammonium fiber, cotton, bamboo, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment the regenerated cellulose fibers may be modal fibers. In one embodiment the third yarn may consist of modal fibers.

[0086] The third yarn may comprise between about 30% and about 80% by weight of the fabric, between about 30% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 33% and about 53% by weight of the fabric. The third yarn may comprise about 43% by weight of the fabric. The third yarn may comprise about 44% by weight of the fabric.

[0087] The third yarn may have a thread count between about 20S and about 100S, between about 60S and about 80S, or a thread count of about 20S, 30S, 40S, 50S, 60S, 70S or 80S. Equivalently, the third yarn may have a thread count between about 5 tex and about 30 tex, between about 10 tex and about 7 tex, or a thread count of about 9.7 tex, 8.3 tex or 7.3 tex. The third yarn may have a diameter of between about 20 and about 90 pm, or between about 20-30, 20-40, 20-50, 20-60, 20-70, 20-80, 30-40, 30-50, 30-60, 30-70, 30-80, 30-90, 40-50, 40-60, 40-70, 40-80, 40-90, 50-60, 50-70, 50-80, 50-90, 60-70, 60-80, 70-80, 70-90, or between about 80 and about 90 pm. The second yarn may have a diameter of about 20 pm, or about 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or about 90 pm. The second yarn may have a diameter of about 79 pm. The second yarn may have a diameter of about 39 pm.

[0088] The third yarn may have a moisture regain between about 10% and about 20%, or between about 10% and about 15%, or between about 1 1 % and about 14%, or between about 12% and about 14%, or about 13%. Moisture regain is defined as the weight of water present in a material expressed as a percentage of the oven dry weight. Moisture regain (R) is therefore calculated as follows: R = W/D x 100 wherein W is the weight of water and D is the oven dry weight.

[0089] The third yarn may further comprise polyester or cotton.

[0090] The first, second and third yarns may be present as layers in the fabric, for example as depicted in Figures 1 -4. In some embodiments the first yarn may form a bottom layer, the second yarn may form a middle layer and the third yarn may form a top layer. In some embodiments the fabric may comprise or consist of three layers.

[0091 ] The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is structured specifically to best maintain a moisturising environment for skin. The specific dynamic system between human, clothing and environment is predicted to yield the best outcome. Two osmoses occur in the dynamic human-clothing-environment system shown in Figure 5. The first osmosis (B) occurs when the region between fabric and skin has lower humidity than the human skin causing water loss (transepidermal water loss, TEWL) from the skin to the region between fabric and skin. TEWL refers to loss of water vapour through the skin, and not secretion of liquid sweat. This region between fabric and skin forms a micro-climate. The second osmosis (A) takes place at the fabric with a layer of crystallisation water on the fibre surface acts like a membrane between the outside environment and the micro-climate. If the micro-climate is higher in humidity, then the water vapour moves to the outside environment. According to TEWL, continuous water supply will transfer to the micro-climate. It is hypothesised that if system A can delay water loss from the micro-climate to the outside environment, it can provide a moisturising effect for the skin. The presence of external pressure from the environment helps to delay water loss from the micro-climate to the outside world. The change in the micro-climate is dynamic and stabilised. This is consistent with the study detailed in the Examples below. It is known that applying an oil-content moisturiser onto skin can help retain skin hydration by reducing TEWL. Instead of applying oil-content moisturiser onto to skin, the fabric possesses skin care function by acting like moisturiser. The fabric acts like a membrane in an osmotic process, creating osmotic pressure from A to B as shown in Figure 5 which delays the process of water loss. This occurs when crystallisation water fills in the gap spaces among the regenerated fibers of the third yarn after absorption, thereby leaving minimal space for water loss. This layer of crystallisation water on the surface of the fibres of the third yarn helps to retain water vapor inside the skin by delaying its transmission to the outside environment from the body of the wearer, just like a layer of oil applying directly onto the skin surface to reduce TEWL. [0092] The hydrophilic nature of the top layer harnesses the human perspiration mechanism to provide continuous insulation by replenishment of moisture via absorption of liquid and vapour perspiration. In addition, the hydrophilic nature of the top layer increases the surface area over which the perspiration is concentrated. As such, if perspiration occurs more profusely in one area of the body, the top layer will disperse this perspiration over a larger area, thereby enhancing the human body’s natural perspiration mechanism. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventor believes that the body’s perspiration mechanism may be enhanced for two main reasons. First, perspiration is prevented from saturating small areas of the fabric to the point of discomfort. Second, because perspiration is continuously spread over a larger surface area, a larger area of the skin is able to obtain the moisturising benefits. In addition, as evaporation of perspiration takes place in the top layer and not on the skin surface, salt residues that may trigger allergies are not deposited on the skin.

[0093] The layered nature of the fabric also allows sweat evaporation to take place from the fabric rather than from the skin surface, reducing skin irritation if the fabric is worn for a long time. The advantage of evaporating sweat from the fabric is to prevent the accumulation of salt residues from the skin surface, which may cause allergic reaction. Bacteria on the skin surface may propagate in the presence of excessive sweat, some of which may produce pathogens or antigens. These substances may be absorbed into the skin and trigger inflammation. Thus effective sweat management may prevent the exacerbation of skin inflammation cause by sweat residue.

[0094] The composition of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may also be selected to adjust thermal conductivity in view of seasonal change. Thermal conductivity depends on the moisture content of the fabric. Higher moisture regain material may have a higher moisture content. The top layer of the fabric may comprise regenerated cellulose fibers, which have a higher moisture regain. However, the precise composition of the top layer of the fabric may be altered to achieve a higher or lower moisture regain, thus adjust the thermal conductivity. Also, the amount by weight of the first, second, and third yarns in the fabric may be adjusted to provide a 'summer' fabric composition and a 'winter' fabric composition.

[0095] The elastic fiber in the middle layer provides elasticity to the fabric which enhances comfort.

[0096] In some embodiments the PLA fibers of the first yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped, l-shaped, Y-shaped, M-shaped, O-shaped, U-shaped, or honeycomb-shaped. The PLA fibers of the first yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped. This cross-sectional configuration creates a plurality of spaces along the length of the first yarn which facilitates a capillary action that enhances moisture wicking ability. The humid environment surrounding the skin may also be optimised where the top layer possesses a high moisture regain.

[0097] In some embodiments the fabric is a knitted fabric, such as for example a jersey fabric. The jersey fabric may be a single knit jersey fabric. The jersey fabric may be a double knit jersey fabric.

[0098] The first and/or third yarns may be looped with an elastic yarn. The first yarn may be looped with an elastic fiber. The third yarn may be looped with an elastic yarn. The first yarn may be looped with an elastic yarn and the third yarn may be looped with an elastic yarn. The first and third yarns may be looped with the same type of elastic yarn, or with different elastic yarn. The elastic yarn may be as described above in relation to the second yarn. The elastic yarn may be elastolefin. The elastic yarn may have a yarn count of 42D, or about 4.7 tex. When the first and/or third yarns may be looped with an elastic yarn, the second yarn may be a regenerated cellulose fiber, such as modal. In this context, 'looped' refers to the first and/or third yarn and an elastic yarn being knitted together.

[0099] In some embodiments the fabric may comprise or consist of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric that keeps perspiration away from a wearer by contact with the wearers skin in use; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer, which receives perspiration removed from the wearer's skin and retains the perspiration such that it is not in contact with the wearer's skin, and wherein perspiration present in the third yarn generates water vapour which provides a moisturising effect to the wearer's skin without imparting a sensation of dampness to the wearer.

[0100] In some embodiments the fabric may comprise or consist of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric that keeps perspiration away from a wearer by contact with the wearers skin in use; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer, which receives perspiration removed from the wearer's skin and retains the perspiration such that it is not in contact with the wearer's skin, and wherein perspiration present in the third yarn generates water vapour which provides a moisturising effect to the wearer's skin without imparting a sensation of dampness to the wearer.

[0101 ] In the embodiment in [0099] or [0100], the PLA fibers may have a cross-section that is X-shaped.

[0102] In the embodiment in [0099] or [0100] the regenerated cellulose fibers may be modal.

[0103] In the embodiment in [0099] or [0100] the modal may have a moisture regain of about 13%.

[0104] In the embodiment in [0099] or [0100] the first yarn may comprise between about 15% and 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 30% and 60% by weight of the fabric, the second yarn may comprise between about 5% and 20% by weight of the fabric, and the third yarn may comprise between about 15% and about 60% by weight of the fabric, or between about 30% and 60% by weight of the fabric.

[0105] In the embodiment in [0099] or [0100] the first yarn may be between about 50-denier and about 75-denier, the second yarn may be between about 33-denier and about 55-denier and the third yarn may have a thread count between about 60S and about 80S, or between about 20S and about 100S, or equivalently between about 9.7 tex and about 7.3 tex or between about 5 tex and about 30 tex.

[0106] One embodiment of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is as follows.

Table 1 .

[0107] Another embodiment of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is as follows.

Table 2.

[0108] Another embodiment of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is as follows.

Table 3.

[0109] Another embodiment of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is as follows.

Table 4.

[0110] Another embodiment of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is as follows.

Table 5.

[0111] Another embodiment of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is as follows.

Table 6.

[01 12] Thus the fabric of the disclosure may have one or more of the following advantages:

1 . Maintaining ideal skin temperature by evaporative cooling due to use of PLA in bottom layer of fabric, which is hydrophobic and has low moisture regain.

2. Regulating skin temperature by providing adjustable thermal conductivity.

3. Maintaining skin moisture level by managing sweat to achieve dry and moisturised skin by establishing a microclimate between the skin and the fabric.

4. Maintaining skin pH levels by using PLA (pH 5.5) in the bottom layer of the fabric.

5. Preventing allergic reaction by absorbing and evaporating sweat via clothing rather than skin surface to avoid salt residue left on skin surface.

Preparation of a fabric of the disclosure

[01 13] Fabrics in accordance with the disclosure may be prepared using a weft single-faced knitting machine with a tri-knit yarn feeder, such as for example the tri-knit yarn feeder disclosed in Chinese patent application ZL201922271717.0. Knitting parameters for preparing a fabric in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure are as follows:

Table 7.

[01 14] The method is as follows:

1. Pretreating by heat setting machine at 130 °C, while the machine speed is 20 yards per minute;

2. Dyeing with reactive dyes in 4 hours, or in 8 hours,

Dyeing process: Degreasing — put dyes in batch — dehydration — dry cloth; 3. Finishing by heat setting machine at 120 °C and the machine speed is 20 yards per minute.

Methods of treatment of skin conditions

[01 15] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a method for the treatment of dermatitis in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising applying to an area of the subject's body affected by the dermatitis, a fabric of the first aspect, or an article of clothing of the second aspect. Applying a fabric of the first aspect, or an article of clothing of the second aspect to an area of the subject's body may comprise wearing an item of clothing comprising the fabric of the first aspect. Also disclosed herein is a fabric of the first aspect, or an item of clothing of the second aspect for use in treating dermatitis. Also disclosed herein is use of a fabric of the first aspect in the preparation of an article of clothing for treating dermatitis.

[01 16] In one embodiment, when used in the treatment of dermatitis, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure, or an item of clothing of the second aspect of the disclosure is applied to an area of the subject's body such that the third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fiber forms a top outer layer furthest from the skin, and the first yarn comprising PLA forms a bottom layer, i.e. the layer in contact with the skin. The duration for which the fabric is applied to the skin or the article of clothing is worn, and intensity of perspiration of the wearer during this time, may be determined by a physician or dermatologist.

[01 17] In another embodiment, when used in the treatment of dermatitis, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure, or an item of clothing of the second aspect of the disclosure is initially intended to be worn with the top layer directly in contact with the skin of the patient. The patient may then undergo various stimuli in order to induce perspiration. Perspiration may be induced through various methods, such as for example exercise, raising of room temperature, or immersing the patient’s feet in a warm water bath. The duration and intensity of perspiration may be determined by the accompanying physician or dermatologist. Once the fabric has reached a sufficient moisture content it may be taken off by the patient, turned inside out and reapplied, such that the regenerated cellulose fiber layer becomes the top layer and the PLA layer becomes the bottom layer, i.e. the layer in contact with the skin. Thus in a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of wearing an article of clothing according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the article of clothing being comprised of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure, comprising a top layer, a middle later, and a bottom layer as defined above in respect of the first aspect, the method comprising (i) wearing the article of clothing in a first orientation such that the top layer of the fabric is in contact with the skin of the wearer, followed by (ii) wearing the article of clothing in a second orientation such that the bottom layer of the fabric is in contact with the skin of the wearer.

[01 18] In the methods and uses of the present disclosure, the dermatitis may be selected from the group consisting of atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, photosensitive dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, perioral/periorificial dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, venous or gravitational dermatitis, metabolic dermatitis, chronic superficial scaly dermatitis, asteatotic dermatitis, erythrodermic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. The dermatitis may be atopic dermatitis (i.e. eczema).

[01 19] The wicking properties of the PLA layer continuously draw perspiration away from the skin of the wearer into the regenerated fiber layer so that the regenerated fiber layer is constantly replenished. This has the effect of placing the patient in contact with a dry surface and a layer of humidity above the skin which acts as a moisturiser without a feeling of dampness. If the moisture were to be placed directly in contact with the skin (as per existing treatments), the stratum corneum of the skin would break down causing wrinkling and discomfort. Furthermore, human skin may be irritated by direct contact with water due to differing pH levels and mineral concentrations. This irritation can ultimately prolong or even exacerbate eczema symptoms in many cases.

[0120] The present disclosure may be defined by the numbered embodiments set out below.

1. A fabric comprising: a. a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers; b. a second yarn comprising elastic fibers; and c. a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers.

2. The fabric of embodiment 1 , wherein the first yarn is a filament yarn.

3. The fabric of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the PLA fibers have a crosssection that is X-shaped.

4. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first yarn is between about 40-denier and about 150-denier.

5. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first yarn is between about 50-denier and about 75-denier. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the first yarn has a stitch length/100 loop between about 20 cm and about 40 cm. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first yarn has a stitch length/100 loop between about 25 cm and about 35 cm. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first yarn comprises between about 15% and about 60% by weight of the fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first yarn comprises between about 35% and about 55% by weight of the fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first yarn consists of PLA fibers. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the second yarn is a filament yarn. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 11 , wherein the second yarn is between about 25-denier and about 65-denier. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the second yarn is between about 33-denier and about 55-denier. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the second yarn has a stitch length/100 loop between about 5 cm and about 20 cm. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the second yarn has a stitch length/100 loop between about 10 cm and about 15 cm. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the second yarn comprises between about 5% and about 20% by weight of the fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the second yarn comprises between about 8% and about 15% by weight of the fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the elastic fibers are selected from the group consisting of elastolefin, elastane, diene elastic, polyether ester elastic fibers, and polyolefin elastomer fibers. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the second yarn consists of elastane. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the third yarn has a moisture regain between about 10% and about 20%. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the third yarn is a spun yarn. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 21 , wherein the third yarn further comprises polyester or cotton. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers are modal, Tencel, rayon, Cuprammonium fiber, or a combination thereof. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers are modal. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the third yarn consists of modal. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the third yarn comprises between about 30% and about 80% by weight of the fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the third yarn comprises between about 33% and about 53% by weight of the fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the third yarn has a stitch length/100 loop between about 20 cm and about 40 cm. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the third yarn has a stitch length/100 loop between about 26 cm and about 36 cm. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the third yarn has a thread count between about 5 tex and about 30 tex. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the third yarn has a thread count between about 10 tex and about 7 tex. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 31 , wherein the second yarn is inter-knitted between the first yarn and the third yarn. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the first, second and third yarns are present as layers. The fabric of embodiment 32 or embodiment 33, wherein the fabric consists of three layers. The fabric of embodiment 32 or embodiment 33, wherein the first yarn forms a bottom layer, the second yarn forms a middle layer and the third yarn forms a top layer. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the fabric is a knitted fabric. The fabric of embodiment 36, wherein the knitted fabric is a jersey fabric. The fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein the fabric is a moisturising fabric. An article of clothing when produced from, or comprising, the fabric of any one embodiments 1 to 38. The article of clothing of embodiment 39, comprising a fabric comprising or consisting of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric adapted to be in contact with the skin of a wearer; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer. The article of clothing of embodiment 39 or embodiment 40, comprising a fabric comprising or consisting of: a first yarn comprising polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, the first yarn forming a bottom layer of the fabric adapted to be in contact with the skin of a wearer; a second yarn comprising elastic fibers, the second yarn forming a middle layer of the fabric; and a third yarn comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, the third yarn forming a top outer layer of the fabric, furthest from the skin of the wearer. 42. The article of clothing of any one of embodiments 39 to 41 , selected from the group consisting of a shirt, singlet, jersey, pyjamas, maillot, fleece, shorts, pants, hood, running hat, skull cap, helmet liner, mask, headband and socks.

43. A method for the treatment of dermatitis in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising applying to an area of the subject's body affected by the dermatitis, the fabric of any one of embodiments 1 to 38, or the article of clothing of any one of embodiments 39 to 42.

44. The method of embodiment 43, wherein the dermatitis is eczema.

Examples

[0121 ] The inventors have undertaken a clinical pilot study comparing the effect of functional T-shirts for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients in summer and winter. Nine AD outpatients wore a Comfiknit Atopic Eczema® T-shirt (a shirt prepared from a fabric according to the first aspect of the present disclosure) as underwear for four weeks in each season, and the effects and seasonal differences were examined. The severity of AD, itchiness, skin condition, and satisfaction were also evaluated to determine the effects of wearing the Comfiknit T-shirt on AD.

Materials and Methods

Fabric

[0122] The Comfiknit Atopic Eczema® T-shirt was selected for study. The T-shirt was made of three layers. The bottom layer, which is in contact with the skin, was made of polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a hydrophobic fiber. PLA with a cross-shaped cross section was used in this study to diffuse excess perspiration from the skin. The middle layer was made of spandex, which provides elasticity. The outermost top layer was made of modal, a hydrophilic fiber that absorbs perspiration and helps retain moisture by retaining absorbed perspiration. The T- shirts were prepared in two patterns for winter or summer. In both T-shirts, the stitches were on the outside not to contact with the skin. The winter T-shirt had long sleeves, a clue neck, and a green colour. The summer T-shirt had short sleeves, a V-neck, and a white colour (Figure 6). The yarns used in these T-shirts were the same, although the thickness was different because of the different blends. The composition of the T-shirts is shown in Table 8 below, and Figures 1 -4.

Table 8.

Study protocol

[0123] This study enrolled ten adult outpatients with AD. WBC (/pL), Eo (%), Eo (/pL), TARO (pg/ml), IgE (lll/ml) were assessed at baseline. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Nagasaki University and registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN-CTR; UMIN000042252).

[0124] Patients were given three Comfiknit Atopic Eczema® T-shirts at the start of the study to wear as underwear during the study period. T-shirt sizes were selected by patients by trial fitting or visual examination. The T-shirts were not allowed to be laundered using fabric softener. Otherwise, the T-shirts could be washed and ironed as usual. Patients wore the T- shirts for four weeks each during the winter and summer seasons to consider the seasonal change. One patient failed the study in the winter period, but the other nine patients were the same during both periods. EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), POEM (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure), itch VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), and the SCWC (stratum corneum water content), skin pH, and skin bacterial culture were evaluated before and four weeks after the intervention (See Figure 7).

[0125] The SCWC was determined with SKICON-200EX-USB (YAYOI Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) by measuring hydration (pS). The skin pH was determined with LAQUA F-74 (HORIBA, Advanced Techno, Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan). The SCWC and skin pH was detected in the middle of the chest. The bacterial culture was detected in the middle of the back. The licensed TSQM-9 (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9) was used with permission to assess satisfaction with wearing the T -shirts. Since the satisfaction of the TSQM-9 measure with drug therapy, the TSQM-9 results in this study were considered indirectly indicative of satisfaction. The treatment of AD was not changed during the winter test or summer studies.

Results

Patient Characteristics

[0126] Patient characteristics are summarised in Table 9. Nine of the enrolled patients completed the trial (one patient had dropped out of the study and the patient characteristic are not shown). There were six males and three females, with an average age of 39.3 years. All patients attended the Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan for the treatment of AD. All patients were receiving standard AD treatment, in addition, four were on dupilumab treatment, two were on ultraviolet light treatment, and one was on oral cyclosporine. Mean pre-test blood test results were WBC 6578/pL, Eo 4.4%, Eo 275 /pL, TARC 1990 pg/mL, and IgE 8767 lU/mL, respectively.

Table 9. Clinical characteristics of study subjects at baseline.

Outcomes

[0127] Outcome measures are presented in Tables 10 and 1 1 , and Figure 8. The average EASI scores after four weeks of wearing Comfiknit Atopic Eczema® T-shirts were lower than week zero in both winter and summer. In particular, patients with EASI scores higher than 21 at zero weeks and classified as severe AD tended to have lower scores after 4 weeks of wearing this T-shirt (Table 10, Figure 8A). The average POEM score after four weeks of wearing the T-shirts was also low compared to week zero in both winter and summer. In the case-specific characteristics, patients with higher POEM scores at week zero had lower scores at week four, although patient A in winter and patients G and H in summer showed higher POEM scores at week four (Table 10, Figure 8B). The mean VAS score at 4 weeks after wearing these T-shirts was lower than that at week zero both in winter and summer. However, the change in the itch VAS scores varied among individuals. There was no correlation between the itchiness and the AD severity (Table 10, Figure 8C). Skin pH remained slightly acidic in most patients throughout both studies. In winter, a pH of 10.73 was observed in patient E at week zero, which may be a measurement error (Table 10, Figure 8D). SCWC was lower in winter and higher in summer for most patients at week zero. Average SCWC after four weeks of wearing this T-shirt was higher than week zero in both periods, but individual scores were lower in about half of the patients after four weeks (Table 10, Figure 8E). Mean TSQM-9 scores for wearing the T-shirt were 56.6 for effectiveness, 65.0 for convenience, 56.4 for global satisfaction in summer, 73.9 for effectiveness, 85.6 for convenience, and 70.0 for global satisfaction in winter (Table 10, Figure 8F). Bacterial cultures showed a change of species at weeks zero and four, both in summer and winter, but did not show a consistent trend (Table 11 )-

Table 10. Result of EASI, POEM, itch VAS, pH, SCWC, TSQM-9. * only in winter, “ only in summer. Abbreviations: WBC, White blood cells; Eo, Eosinophilic cells; TARC, thymus and activation regulated chemokine; IgE, Immunoglobulin E; PUVA, psoralen ultraviolet A.

Table 11. Result of bacterial culture. Abbreviations: CNS, coagulase negative staphylococci; SA, Staphylococcus aureus; GGS, Group G Streptococcus.

Discussion

[0128] In this study, the intervention effect of Comfiknit Atopic Eczema® T-shirts was examined in two seasons, summer and winter, on the same nine patients. These T-shirts were expected to absorb excess perspiration from the surface of the skin and retain moisture inside the garment. It was assumed that the better water absorption and quick-drying properties of these T-shirts might contribute to avoiding disease exacerbation. The mean SCWC after four weeks of intervention was higher in both summer and winter, indicating that the skin dryness was prevented by wearing these T-shirts.

[0129] There was no change in pH as a result of wearing the T-shirts, and skin pH remained slightly acidic (Table 10, Figure 8E), and there was no apparent impact on the results of skin bacterial culture (Table 11 ). The pH of normal skin is 4.5 to 6.0. Acidic pH is involved in skin protection by providing a favourable environment for normal microbiota and maintaining the stratum corneum barrier structure. Exacerbations of AD are associated with Staphylococcus aureus growth which is caused by neutral skin pH. Therefore, the result of skin pH and bacterial culture is consistent with the fact that AD was not exacerbated.

[0130] The TSQM-9 score revealed good convenience in both the winter and summer. Furthermore, the TSQM-9 scores were higher for all items in the summer than in the winter. A functional T-shirt can be simply worn in place of regular underwear, which is convenient and has the potential to increase adherence.

[0131 ] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms.