Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition. AI can enable more accurate, early, and standardized identification, optimizing patient outcomes, according to a report released on Thursday.
Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease with a range of clinical manifestations and symptoms. In severe cases, it is associated with sleep disturbances due to pruritic rashes that appear on the skin during flare-ups, along with depression, anxiety, and loss of productivity.
Effective management of atopic dermatitis has long been a priority for physicians, as the quality of life for patients is compromised due to disruptive symptoms like itchiness and skin inflammation.
As the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is primarily clinical, it can be subjective, leading to variability in diagnosis. In the era of AI, several trends have emerged across various sectors, with healthcare being one of the most impacted.
The report from GlobalData, a data and analytics company, highlighted that the lack of objective biomarkers for definitive diagnosis and severity assessment of chronic skin diseases complicates the diagnostic process.
“AI offers innovative solutions to challenges in healthcare by simulating human intelligence in machines, with advancements paving the way for significant improvements in diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine,” said Filippos Maniatis, a Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData.
“AI-powered image recognition can determine characteristic patterns of severity in skin lesion images, and, through machine training, improve diagnostic accuracy over time,” Maniatis added.
Studies suggest that AI can facilitate more personalized treatment plans, continuous monitoring, and leveraging technological advancements for better disease management. For example, wearable devices equipped with AI technology could offer real-time data for ongoing monitoring of skin conditions.
Wearable devices with AI help in continuous monitoring, enabling physicians to make timely adjustments to treatment plans based on changes in disease severity, such as flare-ups. This technology has already attracted the attention of multiple tech companies, the report noted.
“These technologies highlight the potential to improve the current diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis. Collaborative efforts between AI specialists, clinicians, and researchers are essential to fully understanding AI’s potential in improving disease management,” Maniatis concluded.
(Inputs from IANS)