Survey Unveils Impact of Chronic Hand Eczema on Patients’ Lives and Treatment Landscape

LEO Pharma announced today the results of a comprehensive survey conducted by Ipsos, revealing insights into the misunderstandings surrounding chronic hand eczema (CHE) and its serious implications for patients.¹

The data, which serve as the second phase of the recent survey data reported by LEO Pharma last month,² highlight the urgent need for awareness, education, and effective management strategies.

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Survey Findings: The State of CHE Management

The survey gathered responses from 192 health care providers, including 100 dermatologists and 92 nurse practitioners or physician assistants specializing in dermatology.

Among the key insights from the survey, a significant 51% of providers reported that existing treatments for moderate to severe AD do not adequately meet the unique challenges presented by CHE.

Nearly two-thirds of clinicians (approximately 66%) indicated that they find managing CHE to be more challenging than handling other chronic dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis.

The survey also revealed that patients with moderate to severe CHE often require frequent health care visits, with 62% needing 3 to 4 office visits annually and 27% requiring 5 to 6 visits.

Furthermore, many patients are on multiple medications, managing an average of 3 to 4 different treatments for their condition. However, 24% of health care providers observed that up to half of these patients struggle with adhering to their prescribed regimens, highlighting significant issues related to polypharmacy and adherence.

The Broader Implications of CHE

The emotional burden of CHE is significant; 95% of surveyed dermatology providers agreed that moderate to severe CHE adversely affects patients' emotional health and their social interactions. For instance, 72% of respondents noted that CHE can impact their patients' dating lives, and 86% stated that it poses barriers in the workplace.

Additionally, patients reported feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their hands, which affects their confidence and can lead to missed days at work.

A Call to Action

The recent findings from the LEO Pharma survey highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by patients with CHE, emphasizing a need for improved treatment protocols, historical understanding among practitioners, and heightened awareness within both medical and patient communities.

"Given that we use our hands for almost everything we do, chronic hand eczema can significantly disrupt patients' daily routines,” said Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, a clinical associate professor at Rosalind Franklin University and a member of the Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board, in a news release.¹ “Many of my patients struggle with simple household tasks like washing dishes, cleaning or even using a keyboard for work. The toll on their self-confidence and mental well-being can be overwhelming. It is important that we continue to shed light on the complexities of chronic hand eczema, deepen our understanding of this debilitating condition, and ultimately help patients reclaim their lives."

References

1. LEO Pharma survey: Dermatology providers agree chronic hand eczema impacts patients’ emotional, social and occupational well-being. News release. BusinessWire. April 22, 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422320493/en/LEO-Pharma-Survey-Dermatology-Providers-Agree-Chronic-Hand-Eczema-Impacts-Patients-Emotional-Social-and-Occupational-Well-Being
2. LEO Pharma survey: Dermatology providers say chronic hand eczema is widely misunderstood and inadequately managed. BioSpace. March 5, 2025. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/leo-pharma-survey-dermatology-providers-say-chronic-hand-eczema-is-widely-misunderstood-and-inadequately-managed