Hand eczema: epidemiology, prognosis and prevention

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Hand eczema (HE) is a prevalent, heterogeneous skin condition affecting the hands and wrists.
• It frequently co-occurs with foot eczema and presents diverse etiologies and clinical manifestations.
• HE can manifest in acute or chronic stages with variable severity and recurrence patterns, posing diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, prognosis, and prevention strategies for hand eczema.
• To provide practical advice for the diagnosis, patient information, and management of HE.
• To aid dermatologists in effectively guiding patients with hand eczema.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on epidemiology, prognosis, and prevention of hand eczema.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on HE etiology, clinical presentation, and management.
• Development of practical recommendations for clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Hand eczema exhibits diverse causes and clinical features, ranging from mild to severe.
• Prognosis and recurrence vary significantly among individuals.
• Effective management requires accurate diagnosis and tailored patient guidance.

Conclusions:

• Hand eczema management is complex due to its varied nature.
• This review provides a framework for understanding and addressing HE.
• Practical advice is offered to improve diagnosis, patient education, and prevention strategies.