Journal of Dermatological Treatment · Available online 30 Mar 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/09546634.2026.2644023
Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a complex, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life.Objectives:This multinational, prospective, observational study evaluated the burden of CHE on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults across six countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.Methods:Participants who self-reported a physician-diagnosed CHE completed the patient-reported outcome measures, including the Hand Eczema Impact Scale (HEIS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and EQ-5D 5 Level Version (EQ-5D-5L). Data were stratified by disease severity, history of suboptimal response to topical corticosteroids (TCS), and current treatment type.Results:Results demonstrated a substantial HRQoL burden associated with CHE, specifically in participants with moderate to severe CHE compared to those with mild CHE (DLQI: 7.7 ± 6.3 vs 3.7 ± 4.7; EQ-5D-5L: 0.682 ± 0.259 vs 0.742 ± 0.237; HEIS total score: 1.5 ± 1.0 vs 0.7 ± 0.8; p < 0.001 for all). A particularly high burden was reported among participants for whom TCS was suboptimal and those receiving systemics/phototherapy.Conclusions:Present study findings highlight the need for more effective management strategies and targeted treatment options to improve the HRQoL of individuals suffering from CHE.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →