New Skin Test Measures Inflammation for Personalized Eczema Treatment

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects over 400.000 people in the Netherlands, disrupting daily life for patients with itching, discomfort, and frustration. For many patients, finding the right treatment is a struggle: doctors currently rely on visual checks and trial-and-error, while waiting lists for specialist care continue to grow. 

To change this, Imcomet, Erasmus MC, and TU Delft have teamed up to create a new, quick and painless skin test for eczema. By working together, these partners combine expertise in dermatologic patient care, innovative skin sampling, and high-tech biosensors, building a strong foundation for smarter, more personalized treatment for every patient. 

The need for such innovation is urgent. Dermatological care faces increasing pressure: waiting times average 3–5 weeks, and by 2040 the Netherlands will face a shortage of over 200 full-time dermatologists. Moderate-to-severe eczema often leads to frequent hospital visits and higher healthcare costs, making it clear that smarter solutions are needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce workload for care professionals. 

The I-Sense project is developing an innovative skin test that quickly and painlessly samples a tiny amount of skin fluid and analyses it in real time. For the first time, doctors will be able to see exactly which inflammation markers are active and match treatments to each patient’s unique skin profile, all during a regular appointment. This will reduce unnecessary medication, speed up relief for patients, and help doctors work more efficiently. 

By the end of the project, the team will deliver a working prototype proven in eczema skin biopsies. This will pave the way for clinical trials, supporting better care for patients and a sustainable future for Dutch dermatology.