Health-related quality of life in individuals with Chronic hand eczema - Findings from the multinational CHECK study

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.