Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hand eczema

Abstract

Eczema located on the hands, hand eczema (HE), is a disabling skin condition, which strongly impacts the quality of life and occupational performance of affected individuals. HE should be considered an umbrella term as it covers different aetiologies and morphologies. Managementcan be challenging, as delay in adequate treatment and trigger avoidance increase the risk of chronic disease. There is a lack of, and simultaneously a need for, well-designed Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in support of the efficacy of treatment modalities. The Guideline aimsto provide advice on the management of HE using an approach that is as evidence-based as possible, covering the classification, diagnosis, prevention and treatment aspects of HE.Target audience and patients to whom the guidelines are meant to applyThe Guideline specifically targets dermatologists, occupational practitioners and other health care professionals. However, the information provided might also be of interest to general practitioners and for health insurance purposes. The target population for the guidelines includes all patients with HE, independently of age and gender, severity and whether the disease is occupationally related or not.