Wireless, Soft Sensors of Skin Hydration with Designs Optimized for Rapid, Accurate Diagnostics of Dermatological Health

• Published in: Advanced healthcare materials 2023-02, Vol.12 (4), p.e2202021-n/a
• Main Authors: Shin, Jaeho, Wang, Heling, Kwon, Kyeongha, Ostojich, Diana, Christiansen, Zach, Berkovich, Jaime, Park, Yoonseok, Li, Zhengwei, Lee, Geumbee, Nasif, Rania, Chung, Ted S., Su, Chun‐Ju, Lim, Jaeman, Kubota, Hitoki, Ikoma, Akihiko, Lu, Yi‐An, Lin, Derrick H., Xu, Shuai, Banks, Anthony, Chang, Jan‐Kai, Rogers, John A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: biomedical devices; Clinical trials; Dermatology; diagnostics; Electronics - methods; flexible electronics; health monitoring; Humans; Hydration; Measurement methods; Reliability analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity; Skin; Skin - chemistry; Thermal measurement; Wearable Electronic Devices; wireless electronics; Wireless Technology
• ISSN: 2192-2640; 2192-2659; 2192-2659
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202021

Accurate measurements of skin hydration are of great interest to dermatological science and clinical practice. This parameter serves as a relevant surrogate of skin barrier function, a key representative benchmark for overall skin health. The skin hydration sensor (SHS) is a soft, skin‐interfaced wireless system that exploits a thermal measurement method, as an alternative to conventional impedance‐based hand‐held probes. This study presents multiple strategies for maximizing the sensitivity and reliability of this previously reported SHS platform. An in‐depth analysis of the thermal physics of the measurement process serves as the basis for structural optimizations of the electronics and the interface to the skin. Additional engineering advances eliminate variabilities associated with manual use of the device and with protocols for the measurement. The cumulative effect is an improvement in sensitivity by 135% and in repeatability by 36% over previously reported results. Pilot trials on more than 200 patients in a dermatology clinic validate the practical utility of the sensor for fast, reliable measurements. This study reports the skin hydration sensor (SHS), a wireless, flexible, skin‐interfaced multi‐sensor system that enables objective and accurate quantification of skin hydration levels. The streamlined form factors with and simple use protocols offer attractive possibilities results and discussion for monitoring skin health in both clinical and home settings.