Chronic hand eczema in U.S. adults: symptom control and quality of life impacts

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a persistent, recurrent condition that significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and daily functioning. Limited data exists on the lived experience of U.S. CHE patients. To assess the QoL impact of CHE symptoms in U.S. adult patients. A cross-sectional, electronic survey was developed and distributed by the National Eczema Association to U.S. residents with self-reported eczema diagnoses. Survey topics included demographics, symptoms, treatments, and QoL impacts. Comparisons were made between those with clear/mild CHE symptoms and those with moderate/severe symptoms. Of respondents meeting inclusion criteria, 243 focused on their CHE. Common symptoms included itch (85.1%) and red, inflamed skin (78.9%). Patients with moderate/severe symptoms more often reported having a high/significant overall life impact than those who were clear/mild (40.9% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001). Specific areas with a high/significant impact included instrumental activities of daily living (45.5%), other daily activities (36.9%), and mental health (32.9%). Despite using prescription treatments (88.5%), multiple over-the-counter (33.3% using ≥ 5) and alternative treatments (51.4% using at least one), 61.3% reported moderate to severe symptoms, and 28.0% said symptoms were minimally/not controlled. CHE significantly affects QoL and daily functioning in U.S. patients. Despite use of prescription and adjunct therapies, CHE symptoms can persist and adequate symptom control is often not achieved by patients.