Hand strength and dexterity in individuals with hand eczema

Prevalence and Characteristics of Itch and Pain in Patients Suffering from Chronic Hand Eczema

BACKGROUND

Hand eczema (HE) is a frequent chronic inflammatory dermatosis. Itch and pain are considered two of the most common and burdensome symptoms of the disease. Yet, the data related to these symptoms are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of itch and pain in adults suffering from HE.

METHODS

The study group comprised 100 adult HE patients. An original questionnaire designed by the authors was used to survey the patients. It included questions regarding demographic characteristics such as the duration of the disease, exacerbation count, past diagnostics and treatment, as well as atopic predispositions. Additionally, the itch and pain intensity (numerical rating scale-NRS) during '3 days prior to the study' and the 'entire disease' period was implemented. The clinical assessment of the disease severity was performed according to two specific measurement instruments: Investigator Global Assessment for Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA-CHE) scale and Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI). To assess patient quality of life (QoL), the DLQI tool was used and to determine the level of stigmatization and for its impact on patients' life the 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS) was employed.

RESULTS

Within the period of 3 days prior to the examination, itch was reported by 81.0% of patients (n = 81), whereas 53.0% (n = 53) of them experienced pain. Both symptoms were reported more frequently in females (itch: p = 0.022; pain: p = 0.033). When sexes were compared, females reached higher scores in both IGA-CHE and HECSI. Itch and pain intensity correlated positively with disease severity. The intensity of itch and pain significantly influences HE patients' QoL. A positive correlation between the 6-ISS score and the intensity of itch in the 'last 3 days' period was revealed (r = 0.221; p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Itch and pain are common symptoms in HE patients, significantly contributing to the feeling of stigmatization. Providing characteristics of itch and pain may improve HE management. Symptom-decreasing treatment would definitely have a positive influence on patients' well-being.

Treatment with delgocitinib cream improves itch, pain and other signs and symptoms of chronic hand eczema: Results from the Hand Eczema Symptom Diary in a phase IIb randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Measuring patient-reported outcomes is crucial to fully capture the burden of chronic hand eczema (CHE).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of delgocitinib cream on itch, pain and nine additional key signs and symptoms reported by patients with CHE using the Hand Eczema Symptom Diary (HESD).

METHODS

In a double-blind, phase IIb dose-ranging trial (NCT03683719), 258 adults with mild to severe CHE were randomized to delgocitinib cream 1, 3, 8 or 20 mg/g or cream vehicle twice daily for 16 weeks. Patients assessed 11 signs and symptoms of CHE daily through the HESD using an 11-point numeric rating scale; this was an exploratory endpoint.

RESULTS

Delgocitinib cream 20 mg/g was associated with an early and sustained reduction in itch and pain, along with clinically relevant reductions of ≥4 points from baseline to Week 16 in 48.4% and 63.6% of patients, respectively (17.9% and 5.9% with cream vehicle). There were improvements versus cream vehicle in all assessed CHE signs and symptoms (20 mg/g, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Delgocitinib cream reduced itch, pain and other signs and symptoms in patients with CHE. This data correlated with clinician-reported outcomes, indicating that the HESD may be a useful assessment tool for CHE management.

Acceptance of skin products in healthcare workers: an empirical investigation

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing hand eczema (HE). This can be exacerbated by hygiene measures related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Using mild skin cleansers and emollients or moisturizers is central in the prevention of HE-especially with increased COVID-19 hygiene regimes.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess parameters important for the acceptance of a skincare concept in HCWs.

METHODS

In this proof-of-concept user trial, HCWs were provided ad libitum with hand wash oil and hand cream during the 6-month period, when occupationally acquired COVID-19 infections among HCWs were peaking in Germany and then surveyed about acceptance of the products using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of 135 HCWs, 115 (85%) responded. Skin tolerance of the hand wash oil and the hand cream was rated very good by 63% and 52% of the 115 participants, respectively. Of the 115 participants, 58% and 57% were very satisfied with the hand wash oil and the hand cream, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Acceptance of skin cleansing and skincare products in HCWs seems influenced by parameters such as self-assessed skin tolerance and self-reported overall satisfaction. It must be assumed that products are only used as recommended if they are well-accepted. Employers might survey employees about acceptance of products using the parameters identified to adjust concepts if necessary to sustainably contribute to the prevention of HE.

Occupational Hand Dermatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Occupational hand dermatitis is a common work-related disorder of the skin. Prevention and management of this disease is critical to improving workers' quality of life and for occupation-specific retention.

RECENT FINDINGS

This is a critical review of the current literature on occupational hand dermatitis. Occupational dermatitis continues to have a high prevalence among workers although the overall incidence may be slowly decreasing. Irritant contact dermatitis due to wet work exposure is the most common cause of occupational hand dermatitis. Healthcare workers, hairdressers, and metal workers are at particularly high risk for this disease. While some prevention programs have been ineffective in mitigating occupational hand dermatitis, other more resource-intensive initiatives may have benefit. Continued research is needed on ways to manage wet work exposures and on scalable, effective prevention programs for occupational hand dermatitis. The spectrum of culprit contact allergens continues to evolve, and vigilance for potential occupation-specific allergens remains important.

Prevention of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a controlled intervention study

BACKGROUND

Occupational hand eczema (HE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and has - in some regions of the world - increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to related hygiene measures.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention for HE prevention in HCWs during the pandemic.

METHODS

A prospective, controlled, unblinded interventional trial was conducted in 302 HCWs. The intervention group (IG) (n = 135) received online-based health education and free access to hand cleansing and hand care products. The control group (CG) (n = 167) did not receive any intervention within the study. At baseline (T0), after three (T1) and six (T2) months, participants completed standardised questionnaires. The Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI) was assessed at T0 and T2.

RESULTS

During the observation period, there were no new HE cases in the IG (n = 115) and 12 cases (8.8%) in the CG (n = 136). OHSI values at T2 were lower in the IG (b = -1.44, P < 0.001). Daily use of emollients was higher at work (b = 1.73, P < 0.001) and at home (b = 1.62, P < 0.001) in the IG at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention was effective in HE prevention and improving skin care behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effects of skin washing frequency on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the epidermis: an experimental study

BACKGROUND

Increased hand hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased quantum of hand eczema (HE).

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of varying washing frequencies using current mild cleansing agents - alongside with the effect of a rehydrating cream - on the epidermal barrier function and inflammatory processes of the stratum corneum (SC).

METHODS

Standardized skin washings on the volar aspects of the lower arms of skin healthy volunteers were performed using the Automated Cleansing Device either 5 or 11 times within 4 hours for 60 seconds each with a standard cleanser, a lipid-containing syndet, or a lipid-containing syndet followed by one-time application of a rehydrating cream. Skin bioengineering parameters (transepidermal water loss, SC hydration, erythema, and SC pH) and biochemical / immunological parameters (IL-1α, IL-1αRA, and Natural Moisturizing Factor) of SC samples collected by tape stripping were assessed.

RESULTS

All applied washing procedures provided comparable, mild effects on the epidermal barrier function and skin inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational skin cleansers seem to have improved regarding skin barrier damaging effects. To further corroborate this, a study design, modified on the basis of our findings, applying longer washing periods for consecutive days seems desirable. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.