Proof of Concept: Home Self-Monitoring of Atopic Skin State Toward Better Emollient Compliance

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a high-burden disease for patients. Regular application of emollients is a prophylactic measure for maintaining a more functional skin barrier. The present study aimed at evaluating if home self-monitoring of skin barrier function by the patients themselves could lead to better compliance with emollient application and, as a result, a better skin barrier. Specifically, we aimed to assess patient autonomy in using a connected device for skin barrier measurement and the effectiveness of a personalized emollient application scheme. We conducted two studies. The first study (N = 12 over 4 months) tested patient autonomy in using a connected device for skin barrier measurement and evaluated the kinetics of barrier function during flares. The second study was a proof of concept (N = 8 over 4 months) for evaluating if a dynamic personalized scheme of emollient applications based on the skin condition measurement could improve compliance and skin condition over time. In the first study, patients easily performed skin barrier measurements at home, with skin barrier modifications observed 5 days before a flare. In the second study, patients applied more emollient and maintained a better skin barrier when guided by the personalized application scheme. The proposed approach based on home self-monitoring of the AD skin barrier associated with a personalized and dynamic scheme of emollient application appears promising for better emollient compliance and for maintaining a better skin barrier over long periods. This approach could potentially be integrated into clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05639738