Fourth-year medical student Bijoy Shah recently led a team that launched a mobile app for people with atopic dermatitis—commonly known as eczema—to track, learn about, and manage the condition.

Mr. Shah, who has a background in computer science, spent a research year focused on digital health to develop the programming and content for EczemaXcel. The app enables users to log daily symptoms such as itching or pain, set goals and monitor progress in managing eczema, learn about self-care, and access mental health tips and tools. It also includes eight animated videos (Mr. Shah taught himself how to create them) and quizzes on topics such as identifying eczema symptoms and triggers, treatment options, and skincare routines.

Sunit Jariwala, M.D., professor of medicine and director of clinical & research innovation at Montefiore Einstein, led the project and served as Mr. Shah’s mentor. Julia Gittler, M.D. ‘13, assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Montefiore Einstein, oversaw the development of the educational content. Mr. Shah also credited his classmates, patients, and faculty in the division of dermatology, who suggested ways to refine and enhance the app’s features.

A pilot study on the app’s usability and effectiveness is now underway. Feedback from 30 patients will be used to refine the app and provide clinical validation of its features, enabling it to be offered more widely by physicians. Mr. Shah also said he hopes to develop a pediatric version of EczemaXcel, create a Spanish-language adaptation, and integrate advanced features to assess the severity of symptoms.

EczemaXCel and its associated materials are under applicable copyright laws. For inquiries about access, please contact the office of biotechnology and business development at biotech@einsteinmed.edu.