Using infrared skin imaging to improve diagnosis and management of skin diseases

Infrared Skin Imaging to Transform Noninvasive Diagnosis and Management of Skin Disease

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10914664

This study is working on a new, gentle way to look at skin problems using special infrared imaging, which will help doctors diagnose and treat skin conditions more accurately, especially for people with darker skin tones.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914664 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a noninvasive imaging technology that can accurately diagnose and manage skin diseases, particularly in diverse populations. By utilizing infrared skin imaging, the project aims to provide a more objective assessment of skin conditions, reducing reliance on subjective visual inspections and invasive biopsies. The methodology involves advanced optical imaging techniques that can penetrate deeper into the skin, allowing for better detection of various skin diseases, especially in individuals with pigmented skin. This approach seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages with suspected skin diseases, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds who may face challenges in diagnosis.

Not a fit: Patients with skin conditions that are easily diagnosed through traditional methods or those who do not have access to the research facility may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive diagnoses of skin diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for skin diagnosis, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.