New Sensor Technology Set to Transform Eczema Treatment

A new technology developed by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has secured over £475,000 in funding to advance clinical research on eczema treatment. This innovative vibroacoustic sensor is expected to significantly improve the diagnosis and management of the skin condition, potentially alleviating years of suffering for millions of patients across the United Kingdom.

The sensor operates by emitting small vibrations on the skin’s surface, allowing it to measure changes in tissue stiffness and fluid content across different skin layers. According to the university, this advancement could lead to a more objective approach in assessing eczema, moving beyond traditional visual assessments that often lack reliability, especially for patients with darker skin tones.

Scottish Enterprise contributed £275,000 of the funding, while an additional £200,000 comes from the Medical Research Council’s Gap Fund. This investment is earmarked to support clinical trials and the establishment of a spin-out company based on the TissueMetrics project.

Revolutionizing Eczema Management

Professor Michael Crichton, from the university’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, highlighted the implications of this technology, stating, “It represents a fundamental shift in how we approach eczema management.” He noted the significance of providing objective measurements that enhance treatment decisions.

Dr. Connor Bain, who is involved in the technical development of the sensor, explained how it works: “By measuring the elasticity and viscoelasticity of each skin layer, we can detect changes that indicate inflammation and disease progression.” This capability allows healthcare professionals to make data-driven treatment decisions much earlier in a patient’s journey, potentially reducing the prolonged suffering that many experience while seeking effective therapies.

The technology addresses a critical gap in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis, where patients often endure a frustrating cycle of trial and error with various creams and medications. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects up to 20 percent of children and 10 percent of adults in the UK.

Clinical Trials and Future Applications

The research team is set to begin testing the sensor on patients with moderate eczema who are undergoing third or fourth-line treatments. Feedback will also be collected from patients and clinicians regarding the sensor’s usability.

Professor Richard Weller, dermatology lead for NHS Research Scotland, remarked on the shortcomings of current eczema management practices. “Patients typically go through multiple cycles of treatment with increasingly potent medications, waiting weeks or months to see if each one works. Without objective measures, we often rely on visual inspection, which can be subjective,” he said.

This new technology could transform the treatment process by providing quantitative data that helps identify effective therapies more quickly. It may also enable high-quality dermatological care to be delivered in community settings, significantly reducing waiting times and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Sara Medina-Lombardero, a research associate at Heriot-Watt University leading the patient and user clinical development, emphasized the importance of the upcoming clinical evaluation. “Success will set us on a path where the sensor could enable treatment tracking and diagnoses to be made in local pharmacies and community healthcare facilities,” she said.

As the research progresses, the potential for the vibroacoustic sensor to enhance eczema treatment and improve the lives of millions becomes increasingly promising.