A new UK survey has unveiled the substantial burden of chronic hand eczema (CHE) on patients' lives, revealing concerning patterns in treatment-seeking behavior and quality of life impacts. The research, commissioned by LEO Pharma and supported by Allergy UK, provides crucial insights into this common condition affecting approximately 14% of the UK population.
Delayed Treatment Seeking and Quality of Life Impact
The survey findings highlight a troubling trend: patients typically wait an average of eight years before consulting a healthcare professional about their condition. This delay occurs despite experiencing significant symptoms including itching, cracking skin, and pain that substantially impact daily activities.
The impact on personal relationships is particularly striking, with 70% of respondents reporting that CHE has affected their existing relationships or ability to form new ones. An equal proportion indicated negative effects on their work or educational pursuits, with half of the participants noting they had considered CHE when making career choices.
Emotional and Social Burden
The psychological toll of CHE emerged as a significant concern in the survey of 152 patients. Half of the respondents reported experiencing anxiety or anger due to their condition. One participant shared their experience: "Even though I'm quite a confident person, it's anxiety-inducing to have my hand eczema visible, as most don't assume I'm unclean or unmoisturised. Which is not true. A lot of judgment without asking."
Professor Anthony Bewley, consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust and CHE taskforce member, emphasized the severity of the condition: "This research report tells us that CHE is a really debilitating disease. It's not just the horrible itch and pain, nor also the awful effects on quality of life, but it is also the dreadful consequences to patients' psychological wellbeing."
Treatment Challenges and Future Prospects
Current treatment options for CHE present significant limitations. Standard therapies such as emollients and topical corticosteroids often prove ineffective, with prolonged steroid use potentially leading to skin thinning and symptom exacerbation. While alitretinoin offers an alternative, its serious side effects and contraindication during pregnancy limit its utility.
In response to these challenges, LEO Pharma is developing delgocitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor in cream formulation. This novel treatment approach has been submitted for regulatory approval and could potentially reach markets later this year, offering new hope for CHE patients.
Healthcare System Response
The survey reveals a critical gap in healthcare provision, with only 14% of patients reporting discussions about emotional impact with healthcare professionals. This finding has prompted calls for enhanced education among healthcare workers about CHE's comprehensive impact on patients' lives.
