Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 2202021 |
Journal | Advanced healthcare materials |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Feb 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 The Authors. Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Keywords
- biomedical devices
- diagnostics
- flexible electronics
- health monitoring
- wireless electronics