The landscape of chronic hand eczema (CHE) treatment and understanding faces significant challenges, according to a new Ipsos survey commissioned by LEO Pharma Inc. The study, which gathered insights from 192 dermatology professionals, reveals substantial gaps in disease awareness and management strategies.
Current Understanding and Treatment Challenges
Affecting approximately 15.9 million Americans, CHE manifests as a complex skin condition characterized by pain, itching, and severe skin lesions including cracking, rawness, and blistering. Dr. Raj Chovatiya, Clinical Associate Professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School, emphasizes the condition's multifactorial nature and the complexity of its diagnosis and treatment.
The survey highlights that 65% of dermatology providers recognize a significant lack of education and understanding in distinguishing CHE from atopic dermatitis (AD). More concerning is that 51% of providers find current moderate-to-severe AD treatments inadequate for managing CHE, particularly notable given the absence of FDA-approved treatments specifically for CHE.
Treatment Patterns and Patient Management
The study reveals complex treatment patterns and significant healthcare utilization among CHE patients:
- 62% of providers report their moderate-to-severe CHE patients require 3-4 office visits annually
- 27% indicate patients need 5-6 visits per year
- 61% of providers typically prescribe 3-4 different medications for moderate-to-severe CHE patients
- Approximately 24% of providers estimate that 31-50% of their CHE patients show poor medication compliance
Impact on Patient Care
The burden of CHE extends beyond clinical manifestations, with preliminary data from the survey's second phase indicating that 96% of U.S. dermatology providers acknowledge CHE's substantial impact on patients' work and home life. These findings underscore the need for improved management strategies and targeted therapeutic solutions.
Educational Initiatives
In response to these findings, LEO Pharma is taking active steps to address the knowledge gap. The company has scheduled a symposium titled "Chronic Hand Eczema: A New Day Is at Hand" ahead of the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
"With such a considerable gap in knowledge, and an unmet need for patients living with CHE, we hope this survey and the educational opportunities we are offering at AAD will drive increased awareness of the condition among healthcare providers," states Robert Spurr, EVP and President, Region North America, LEO Pharma.
