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VIDEO: A new soft sensor developed by Northwestern University tracks and quantifies itch that torments millions of children with eczema. It will allow parents and doctors to monitor how well a. view more
Credit: Northwestern University
CHICAGO - Itch torments its sufferers and can be as debilitating as chronic pain.
But it s a hard symptom to measure particularly for the 10 million U.S. children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. They can t always verbalize or quantify their suffering via a survey or scale.
It can also be difficult to objectively measure itch for adults with liver disease, kidney disease and certain cancers who experience its symptoms.