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. 2015 Nov;8(11):19-27.

Assessing United States Patient and Dermatologist Experiences with Severe Chronic Hand Eczema

Dana Dibenedetti  1 , Eileen Baranowski  2 , Susan Zelt  3 , Maria Reynolds  1 , Beth Sherrill  1
Affiliations

Assessing United States Patient and Dermatologist Experiences with Severe Chronic Hand Eczema

Dana Dibenedetti et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: Patients with severe chronic hand eczema often have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities, social functioning, and employment. Many patients are refractory to topical corticosteroids. This survey-based study was performed to characterize treatment experiences, impact on productivity, and quality of life of patients with severe chronic hand eczema; understand dermatologists' severe chronic hand eczema treatment patterns.

Design: A web-based survey in the United States queried pre-identified patients with severe chronic hand eczema regarding symptoms, treatment history, quality of life, work productivity, treatment satisfaction, and healthcare utilization. In a separate survey, dermatologists were asked about treatment patterns and satisfaction with currently available therapies.

Results: The most commonly reported symptoms currently experienced by patients (n=163) were dryness/flaking (81%), itchiness (75%), and cracking/tearing of the skin (71%). Over the last three months, 84 percent of patients with severe chronic hand eczema self-reported using topical steroids, and 30 percent used systemic corticosteroids or retinoids. Approximately 30 percent reported impairment while working and productivity loss. Patient quality of life was negatively impacted. Dermatologists (n=125) reported most often treating severe chronic hand eczema with topical corticosteroids (99%), followed by topical immunomodulators (71%) and systemic treatments (70%). Only two percent were very satisfied with currently available products.

Conclusion: Patients with severe chronic hand eczema experience symptoms that negatively impact work productivity and quality of life. Few dermatologists are very satisfied with currently available severe chronic hand eczema treatment options.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Current chronic hand eczema symptoms.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reasons for not seeking immediate treatment of hand eczema symptoms. HE=hand eczema; OTC=over-the-counter
Figure 3
Figure 3
Treatments used for patients with severe chronic hand eczema (sCHE; total population) and patients with topical corticosteroids (TCS)-refractory sCHE
Figure 4
Figure 4
Satisfaction with how well currently available products treat symptoms of severe chronic hand eczema.
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