Prickle and Itch Sensation Testing
topic
Prickle sensation in wool and coarse fibre fabrics is predicted from the percentage of fibres exceeding 30 microns diameter measured by OFDA or Sirolan Laserscan, using the prickle factor model relating mean fibre diameter and curvature to mechanical nerve stimulation thresholds; subjective prickle is validated by forearm contact wear trials with rating scales.
Role
Enables fibre diameter specification and blending decisions that minimise skin prickle sensation in next-to-skin wool garments, directing fibre procurement and finishing strategies toward the sub-20 micron mean diameter threshold above which prickle complaints escalate sharply.