Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Jul;37(7):1396-1405.
doi: 10.1111/jdv.19055. Epub 2023 Apr 27.

Chronic hand eczema in Europe: Patient experiences and perspectives (CHEPEP) in qualitative interviews

H Rönsch  1 , F Schiffers  1 , R Ofenloch  2 , E Weisshaar  2 , A S Buse  3   4 , A Hansen  3   4 , S M John  3   4 , A M Giménez Arnau  5 , D Pesqué  5 , T Agner  6 , L B Nørreslet  6 , L Loman  7 , G L E Romeijn  7 , M L A Schuttelaar  7 , A Košćec Bjelajac  8 , J Macan  8 , C Apfelbacher  9 , A Bauer  1
Affiliations

Chronic hand eczema in Europe: Patient experiences and perspectives (CHEPEP) in qualitative interviews

H Rönsch et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 Jul.

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a very common skin disease among the European population. It causes itch and pain and, in more severe cases, seriously impairs hand functioning at work and in private life.

Objectives: To explore perspectives of people with lived experience on CHE-related problems, wishes and goals.

Methods: Following a qualitative approach, we conducted topic-guided interviews in five European countries and applied template analysis to identify recurrent themes among patients with CHE.

Results: We interviewed 60 patients in seven outpatient dermatological and occupational medicine clinics in Croatia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Five main themes were identified: (1) knowledge about the disease and its course, (2) preventive behaviour, (3) hand eczema therapy, (4) impact on everyday life and (5) attitudes towards CHE and healthcare. Participants did not feel well informed about CHE, especially about causes, triggers and treatment options. Preventive measures were experienced as more or less effective but also cumbersome. Experiences with therapy were diverse. Treatment satisfaction depended on the results and on the perceived support from the treatment teams. Participants found it important to be taken seriously, to receive practical advice, to try out additional treatments or examinations, find new hope and have occupational perspectives. They wished that others could better understand the physical and emotional burden of CHE. Patient support groups were not mentioned. Participants found it important to learn to take care of themselves and accept life with CHE.

Conclusions: Due to its annoying symptoms, high visibility and impaired functioning at work and in private life, CHE has a high emotional and social impact. Some people may require support to learn coping with CHE and its prevention. Patients wish for information about causes and triggers. They value physicians who listen to them and keep looking for solutions.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Quaade AS, Simonsen AB, Halling AS, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD. Prevalence, incidence, and severity of hand eczema in the general population-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;84(6):361-74.
    1. Grant L, Seiding Larsen L, Burrows K, Belsito DV, Weisshaar E, Diepgen T, et al. Development of a conceptual model of chronic hand eczema (CHE) based on qualitative interviews with patients and expert dermatologists. Adv Ther. 2020;37(2):692-706.
    1. Moberg C, Alderling M, Meding B. Hand eczema and quality of life: a population-based study. Br J Dermatol. 2009;161(2):397-403.
    1. Apfelbacher CJ, Nelson PA. Patient-reported outcome measures and qualitative research in dermatology: the quest for authenticity. Br J Dermatol. 2017;176(2):285-7.
    1. Rocholl M, Ludewig M, Brakemeier C, John SM, Wilke A. Illness perceptions of adults with eczematous skin diseases: a systematic mixed studies review. Syst Rev. 2021;10(1):141.