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The use of smartwatches and other wearable devices has been increasingly empowering users with the ability to monitor numerous critical aspects of their health. From monitoring heart rate and blood pressure to detecting arrhythmias, seizure activity, and falls, noninvasive smartwatch technology has proven to be an effective screening tool that can be used to inform patient care and improve outcomes [
The application of smartwatch technology to the field of dermatology has not been well described; however, smartwatch technology could greatly aid in both risk assessment and prevention of skin cancer. This paper examines smartwatch-associated research across all medical specialties and proposes future applications to dermatology, specifically for skin cancer prevention and intervention.
A review of the use of smartwatches across all medical specialties was performed. The search terms “smart watch” and “smartwatch” were searched in PubMed for English-language articles published from database inception to April 10, 2023.
Of the 1333 identified articles, 346 met the study eligibility criteria.
Only 3 studies (<1%) represented dermatologic research (
Summary of dermatology-related smartwatch studies.
| Article (author, year, journal) | Methods | Feature of watch used | Outcome studied | Key findings | Smartwatch used |
| Dey et al [ |
Integration of UV sensors into 1200 smartwatches and smartphones | UV exposure | Cumulative UV tracking | Integration of UV sensors into these devices provided an accurate estimate of cumulative UV exposure | Android |
| Ikoma et al [ |
Creation of a smartwatch app to detect nocturnal scratching using accelerometer data | Wrist actigraphy | Nocturnal scratching in patients with pruritus | High reliability and clinical usefulness of the newly created app was demonstrated | Apple |
| Jang et al [ |
Already existing sleep-tracking capabilities in smartwatches were used and longitudinally compared to the characteristics of skin aging among participants | Sleep time monitoring | Skin characteristics in women | Negative changes were seen in the skin characteristics of patients who averaged less sleep | Xiaomi |
Great disparities exist in the use of smartwatch technology across various medical specialties. We propose this is in part due to the specialty-specific capabilities found within smartwatches. For example, the majority of included studies examined applications of smartwatch technology in cardiology, likely due to the device’s ability to measure pulse and respiration rate and perform electrocardiograms [
As smartwatches sit on the skin and are thus exposed to the same environmental factors as the wearer, they represent a valuable opportunity to better understand both the UV and non-UV environmental, occupational, and avocational exposures that may contribute to the development of skin cancer. With the incidence of both melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas continuously increasing [
Smartwatch technology continues to be refined and improved to better meet the health care needs of consumers. This is perhaps best exemplified by the development of smartwatch-based oxygen saturation measurement capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We propose that future smartwatches be equipped with the technology to measure UV-A and UV-B rays, time spent in water, and air quality, as well as prompt users to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals. The benefits of these implementations are summarized in
The benefits of smartwatch technology in skin cancer prevention and intervention are numerous. However, it must be acknowledged that smartwatches can be costly and not accessible to everyone. As such, the quantifiable and generalizable impact of this technology may be somewhat diminished.
Dermatological applications and benefits of smartwatches.
| Intervention | Mechanism | Effect | Special populations of benefit |
| UV sensor and sunscreen reminder |
Provide individuals with a quantitative, cumulative estimate of UV exposure Remind individuals at appropriate intervals to reapply sunscreen |
Encourage individuals to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals and to limit time spent outdoors during high UV-index hours |
Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, porphyrias, photoallergy, lupus erythematosus, and other photosensitivity disorders Individuals who are occupationally or recreationally exposed to the sun |
| Time spent in water monitor |
Provide individuals with quantitative estimates of total time spent in water Remind individuals at appropriate intervals to reapply sunscreen |
Encourage reapplication of sunscreen |
Patients with conditions exacerbated by water such as aquagenic keratoderma Swimmers, surfers, and divers |
| Air quality |
Alert individuals to chemical hazards, pollen levels, or other irritating substances in the atmosphere |
Promote the use of protective clothing, sunscreen with topical antioxidants, and the usage of indoor air purifiers or ventilators |
Individuals with atopic conditions |
A significant gap in the medical literature exists surrounding the potential uses of smartwatches in the field of dermatology. Nonetheless, the application of smartwatches within dermatology represents a point of meaningful implication, especially as it relates to skin cancer prevention and intervention. As such, future research on smartwatch technology in dermatology is warranted.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria for study eligibility.
Representation of smartwatch-related clinical research among all medical specialties.
This research did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
None declared.