Fig. 1.

(A) A rounded bipolar electrode used for transcutaneous administration of slowly depolarizing electrical currents (scale bar: 1 cm to identify the dimension of the stimulation electrode). The platinum electrodes were mounted in a non-conducting plastic applicator. (B) Electrical profiles delivered to eczematous and non-eczematous (control) skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Half sine wave stimuli of randomized current intensities (0.2–1 mA) were applied in 10-s intervals (top left). Perception and pain sensation thresholds to 4-Hz sinusoidal pulses were assessed and an intensity-dose-response curve to 10 sinusoidal pulses (2.5-s duration) delivered randomized with 0.025–0.4 mA evaluated (top right). Finally, sine wave pulses were administered continuously for 60 s (bottom) at current intensities of perception threshold (individual threshold intensity) and 0.2 mA, respectively, and sensation recorded in 10-s intervals (5-min interval between skin site stimulation).