Infrared imaging to detect and manage skin conditions noninvasively
Infrared Skin Imaging to Transform Noninvasive Diagnosis and Management of Skin Disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11184319
Developing infrared skin imaging to help doctors find skin cancers and inflammatory skin conditions more accurately for people of all skin tones, including children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project is building a new type of noninvasive camera that uses longer-wavelength infrared light to see skin features that standard cameras and detectors miss. The team aims to capture signals from deeper layers and from molecules like lipids and water as well as melanin and blood, so skin problems show up more clearly across diverse skin tones. The work compares the new images to current methods and looks for patterns that could replace or reduce the need for biopsies. If successful, the device would be used at clinics to image suspicious rashes or lesions without cutting the skin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with suspicious skin lesions, persistent rashes, or those who need noninvasive checks (including children and people with darker skin) would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose care requires immediate tissue removal or who have deep internal skin disease not reachable by surface imaging may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce the number of painful or unnecessary skin biopsies and improve earlier, more accurate diagnosis of skin cancer and inflammatory diseases across all skin tones.
How similar studies have performed: Other optical tools like reflectance confocal microscopy have reduced some biopsies but are limited by imaging depth and performance on pigmented skin, so using longer-wavelength infrared is a newer approach with promising early evidence but not yet widely proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHMUYLOVICH, LEONID — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SHMUYLOVICH, LEONID
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.