How new tech is changing the game for people living with eczema
Living with eczema is more than a skin issue. It’s the disrupted sleep, the constant itching, the stress of trying endless treatments that don’t quite work. For the 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK affected by eczema, managing the condition can be an exhausting cycle of guesswork and flare-ups.
But that’s starting to change. A new wave of AI-driven technology is offering hope. New technology is shifting eczema care from reactive to proactive, and from trial-and-error to tailored, evidence-based solutions.
From Guesswork to Precision
One of the most exciting breakthroughs is coming out of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Researchers there have developed a pioneering skin sensor that uses gentle vibrations to measure tissue stiffness and fluid levels beneath the skin, which are key markers of eczema inflammation. This research will support the development of a spin out company based on the TissueMetrics project.
Why is this so powerful? Because eczema diagnosis has barely changed in decades. As Professor Michael Crichton explains, doctors still rely heavily on visual assessments, which can miss early signs -especially in darker skin tones. This new technology offers something revolutionary: real, quantifiable data that supports earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
And the aim isn’t some far-off dream, the goal is to make this tool available in high street pharmacies across the UK. This will ease pressure on the NHS and reduce the long wait times many of our community know all too well.
Predicting Flare-Ups Before They Happen
AI doesn’t stop at diagnosis. Perhaps its biggest promise lies in day-to-day management. Platforms like Eczemaless are leading the charge, using machine learning to analyse individual symptoms, routines, and environmental triggers and then flagging up when a flare-up may be about to strike.
For anyone who’s experienced the stress of not knowing what triggered a reaction—or how to stop the next one—this could be life-changing. Instead of constantly playing catch-up with your skin, you can be one step ahead.
Another tool in this crucial fight is Symphony, a free app marketed as ‘A Free Eczema Coach In Your Pocket’ - that helps people with eczema understand and manage their symptoms. Created by former NHS doctors and lifelong eczema sufferers, Symphony combines daily AI guidance with a unique educational program - think Duolingo meets dermatology support.
Personalised Care, Not One-Size-Fits-All
One of the biggest frustrations we hear from customers is how often treatments feel generic or ineffective. AI is changing that by enabling true personalisation.
Tools like AIDDA and Tibot.AI are using image recognition and skin data to create bespoke care plans that are as individual as your eczema journey. These platforms consider sleep, stress, air quality, even the weather (not just your skin type!)
What could be the result from these advancements? Treatments and skincare that are more effective, reduce side effects, and help avoid over-reliance on topical steroids. Which are all things many in our community are concerned about.
A Whole-Person Approach
We’ve always said eczema isn’t just skin deep. It affects sleep, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and how you show up in your daily life. That’s why it’s encouraging to see technology finally catching up with this reality.
Modern AI-powered tools now integrate everything from skincare and clothing to diet and daily habits, giving people a complete picture of what helps—and what hinders—their skin health. It echoes what we already believe: the right clothes, creams and routines combined can reduce flare-ups and support healing.
What This Means for You
If you’re living with eczema in the UK, this technology is already becoming a reality. The Heriot-Watt sensor is being trialled with patients who’ve been through multiple treatments, offering them faster insights into what’s working and what isn’t.
As Professor Richard Weller of NHS Research Scotland puts it, this could be a game-changer: “This technology has the potential to transform the process by providing data that helps us identify effective treatments much faster.”
Why We’re Excited
At Eczema Clothing, we want to be part of this revolution and help you find tried and tested solutions to manage your skin condition. From our specially designed clothing that breaks the itch-scratch cycle, to our community resources and range of skin friendly products, we’re committed to providing practical, evidence-backed solutions.
We believe in pairing science with lived experience. That means continuing to offer organic, skin-kind clothing and natural skincare that supports healing and sign posting ways to stay ahead of innovation - to help our community live more comfortably and confidently.
Looking Ahead
AI won’t replace the need for quality clothing, breathable fabrics or community support but it will give people with eczema the tools to understand their skin better, and take back a sense of control.
And for the millions affected, that’s not just exciting.. it’s empowering.
Tried. Tested. Trusted since 1980.
Explore eczema-friendly clothing, skincare and advice at www.eczemaclothing.com
