[Knowledge and therapeutic preferences in the treatment of hand eczema in general practice]

The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge and therapeutic preferences in the treatment of patients suffering from hand eczema in general practice.

A questionnaire was mailed to 700 Danish general physicians. Based on the case report of a man suffering from contact eczema on the hands and forearms for 4 months, the general physicians were asked to make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, advise the patient about general skin protection and consider a referral to a dermatologist.

451 (64%) completed the questionnaire. The diagnosis contact eczema was made by almost all respondents (98%). A more potent topical steroid was the most frequently prescribed medication, alternatively in combination with an antibiotic component. A subgroup (16%) wanted to prescribe a less potent topical steroid. Only 20% of the respondents wanted to refer the patient to a dermatologist at the first consultation.

Danish general physicians recognise the symptoms of contact eczema. The medical treatment is predominantly in agreement with general recommendations. A minor group would choose a less potent medication which could result in an inferior treatment. Attention should be paid to the fact that patients suffering from contact eczema which lasts more than one month ought to be referred to a dermatologist.