Everyday clinical experience of alitretinoin in the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema: seven case studies

Abstract

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a debilitating and distressing disease for patients, the physical symptoms of which are compounded by psychosocial problems. Alitretinoin is an endogenously occurring physiological vitamin A derivative (retinoid) that possesses strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. It is currently the only licensed product for severe CHE unresponsive to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids, and has been proven to be highly effective in clinical trials with two-thirds of patients who responded to treatment remaining in remission at 6 months. For those that did relapse, a second study showed they could be successfully retreated with a further 3-6 month course of alitretinoin. Seven case studies of alitretinoin have been provided by consultant dermatologists showing its use in normal UK clinical practice. The cases chosen demonstrate the efficacy of alitretinoin across several different subtypes of CHE, and the positive effects the treatment brought to patients' quality of life.