[Hand eczema and occupational counseling in adolescents]

Many adult patients with hand eczema report having noticed the first signs of their skin condition at a young age. The pathogenesis of hand eczema is multifactorial. In children or teenagers, atopic predisposition as well as skin irritation or contact sensitization play a major role in hand eczema development. To provide effective counseling to adolescents with hand eczema who are about to choose a career, it is helpful to know the current state of knowledge regarding hand eczema in this special group of patients.

Overview on the factors that are important for hand eczema in teenage patients, as well as possible approaches to career counseling.

Evaluation of the current literature on hand eczema in childhood and adolescence and the recommendations for career counseling.

The average age of onset for hand eczema is about 12 years. The 1‑year and lifetime prevalence in childhood are described as 5.2-10% and 6.5-13.3%, respectively, and 12.1% and 18.3% in adolescents and young adults. Trigger factors differ within the young patient groups: while among children they are often found in the context of leisure activities and hobbies, in adolescents they sometimes relate to an occupational context. The choice of profession does not necessarily have to be restricted even in the context of a previous history of eczema or an atopic preposition. It is crucial to counsel the young patients in detail, educating them about the special needs of their skin as well as on consistent moisturizing and skin protection.

Early identification of trigger factors as well as good counseling and treatment optimization are essential for adolescent hand eczema patients in order to keep the influence of hand eczema on their development, thriving, and career choices as low as possible.