Smartwatch Technology in Medicine: A Call for Future Dermatologic Research

• Published in: JMIR dermatology 2023-10, Vol.6, p.e47252-e47252
• Main Authors: Nelson, Emelie E, Rousseau, Morgan A, Black, T Austin, George, Mariya N, Rashid, Rashid M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dermatology; Disease prevention; Multimedia; Patients; Pruritus; Research Letter; Sensors; Skin cancer; Sleep; Smartwatches; Sunscreen; Wearable computers
• ISSN: 2562-0959; 2562-0959
• DOI: 10.2196/47252

[...]Dey et al [4] used smartwatches to track cumulative UV exposure in patients. Article (author, year, journal) Methods Feature of watch used Outcome studied Key findings Smartwatch used Dey et al [4], 2017, Eng Med Biol Soc Integration of UV sensors into 1200 smartwatches and smartphones UV exposure Cumulative UV tracking Integration of UV sensors into these devices provided an accurate estimate of cumulative UV exposure Android Ikoma et al [2], 2019, Acta Derm Venereol Creation of a smartwatch app to detect nocturnal scratching using accelerometer data Wrist actigraphy Nocturnal scratching in patients with pruritus High reliability and clinical usefulness of the newly created app was demonstrated Apple Jang et al [3], 2020, Skin Res Technol Already existing sleep-tracking capabilities in smartwatches were used and longitudinally compared to the characteristics of skin aging among participants Sleep time monitoring Skin characteristics in women Negative changes were seen in the skin characteristics of patients who averaged less sleep Xiaomi Discussion Principal Findings Great disparities exist in the use of smartwatch technology across various medical specialties. Intervention Mechanism Effect Special populations of benefit UV sensor and sunscreen reminder Provide individuals with a quantitative, cumulative estimate of UV exposure Remind individuals at appropriate intervals to reapply sunscreen Encourage individuals to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals and to limit time spent outdoors during high UV-index hours Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, porphyrias, photoallergy, lupus erythematosus, and other photosensitivity disorders Individuals who are occupationally or recreationally exposed to the sun Time spent in water monitor Provide individuals with quantitative estimates of total time spent in water Remind individuals at appropriate intervals to reapply sunscreen Encourage reapplication of sunscreen Patients with conditions exacerbated by water such as aquagenic keratoderma Swimmers, surfers, and divers Air quality Alert individuals to chemical hazards, pollen levels, or other irritating substances in the atmosphere Promote the use of protective clothing, sunscreen with topical antioxidants, and the usage of indoor air purifiers or ventilators Individuals with atopic conditions Conclusion A significant gap in the medical literature exists surrounding the potential uses of smartwatches in the field of dermatology.