AI10 Mobile health applications and telemonitoring in atopic dermatitis: a systematic literature review of self-management and clinical outcomes

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and complex skin condition that requires continuous disease monitoring and personalized education. Effective management is often challenged by factors such as geographical disparities, pandemics, limited healthcare resources and shortages of specialists, particularly in underserved areas. Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer potential solutions by facilitating remote patient monitoring, enhancing self-management, improving treatment adherence, and optimizing professional–patient communication. While these technologies are not intended to replace in-person consultations, they serve as complementary tools to enhance disease management at home. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and the five-stage framework for scoping reviews outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. A comprehensive search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify original research articles and clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of mobile health apps and electronic monitoring devices in the management of AD. In total 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 38 studies reported a reduction in Dermatology Life Quality Index and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores, while all studies showed that mobile applications improved adherence to treatment. Additionally, six studies demonstrated an improvement in Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, indicating clinical improvement in disease severity. The review also identified substantial variability in eczema app functionalities. While 80% of apps provided educational information, only 45% included a symptom tracking function, and 20% featured medication reminders. Many studies highlighted that despite their potential, eczema apps often lack robust validation and quality assurance mechanisms, emphasizing the necessity for standardized guidelines to support clinicians in recommending high-quality digital tools for patients and caregivers. In conclusion, mHealth applications and telemonitoring offer valuable opportunities for improving AD management through enhanced patient education, treatment adherence and disease tracking. However, significant heterogeneity in app quality and the lack of regulatory oversight necessitate further standardization and clinical validation. Future research should focus on optimizing digital interventions to ensure safe, effective and personalized patient care. As trends in mHealth interventions for chronic disease management continue to evolve, emerging technologies are likely to transform healthcare delivery, particularly benefiting rural and underserved populations by improving access to dermatological care and self-management support.