AT A GLANCE

A new review from the EADV Contact Dermatitis Task Force provides a concise, question-driven overview of chronic hand eczema, outlining current understanding of disease mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and practical management strategies, including emerging biologic and JAK inhibitor therapies.

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a multifactorial and often debilitating dermatologic condition that profoundly impacts patients’ quality of life and occupational well-being. In this comprehensive review structured as a Q&A, the EADV Contact Dermatitis Task Force examines key aspects of CHE, from etiopathogenesis and diagnostic differentiation to prognosis and treatment. The authors emphasize that CHE is not a single disease entity but a spectrum of overlapping conditions—including irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and unclassified variants—each driven by complex immune responses and barrier dysfunction. Environmental and occupational exposures remain critical triggers, with healthcare, cleaning, and food-handling professions at particularly high risk.

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The review highlights that CHE’s psychosocial and economic burden rivals that of other chronic skin disorders, underscoring the importance of early recognition, patient education, and preventive workplace measures. Standard management involves barrier protection, emollient therapy, and topical anti-inflammatory agents, while severe or refractory cases may require systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or phototherapy. The Task Force also notes growing interest in biologic and JAK inhibitor therapies, which show early promise in targeting specific inflammatory pathways but require further evidence for long-term safety and efficacy. By synthesizing evidence-based recommendations with practical clinical guidance, the report aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize individualized management in both dermatologic and occupational settings.

Reference: Balato A, Tancredi V, Aerts O, Crépy MN, Dugonik A, Gonçalo M, Krecisz B, Ljubojevic Hadzavdic S, Malinauskienė L, Özkaya E, Simon D, Giménez-Arnau AM. Chronic hand eczema: Common questions and practical recommendations from the EADV Contact Dermatitis Task Force. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1111/jdv.70068. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41020637.