Ninety-five percent (95%) of U.S. dermatology providers surveyed agreed moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) has a strong impact on patients’ work and home life, according to the second phase of the survey sponsored by LEO Pharma Inc., a global leader in medical dermatology, and conducted by Ipsos.

The survey, which includes responses from 100 doctors and 92 nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) in dermatology, found 93% of these dermatology providers believe CHE impacts their patients’ emotional health, and 92% say moderate-to-severe CHE impacts their patients’ ability to perform daily activities, like typing at a computer, which is critical in today’s workforce.

“Living with chronic hand eczema is a daily challenge. The constant itching and pain make even simple tasks like driving or washing my hair in the shower feel impossible because my hands are so sensitive and cracked that it hurts to touch anything,” said Monique T., a CHE patient. “The hardest thing about having chronic hand eczema is its impact on my financial security. It’s difficult to work full time because I’m self-conscious about my hands and live in fear of having a flare and needing to call in sick or having to mask my pain while interacting with customers or co-workers.”

CHE is one of the most common skin disorders of the hands, with a prevalence rate of approximately 4.7%.¹ CHE is characterized by symptoms such as pain, itching, redness, irritation, thickening, blistering, swelling, and cracking of the hands and wrists.² There is currently no FDA-approved treatment for CHE.

“Given that we use our hands for almost everything we do, chronic hand eczema can significantly disrupt patients' daily routines,” said Raj Chovatiya, M.D., Ph.D., MSCI, Clinical Associate Professor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School and Founder and Director of the Center for Medical Dermatology + Immunology Research. “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.”

Additional survey findings revealed:

• CHE has a strong impact on family and romantic relationships, including dating, according to providers surveyed. Seventy-two percent (72%) of healthcare providers in the survey said moderate-to-severe CHE impacts the dating life of their patients, and 72% said CHE impacts their patients’ relationships with family and friends. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of survey respondents agree CHE has impacted their patients’ desire to be intimate in their relationship with a significant other.
• CHE has a negative impact on the U.S. workforce, with many barriers for patients. Eighty-six percent (86%) of healthcare providers in the survey said moderate-to-severe CHE has caused their patients to struggle at work. Fifty-four percent (54%) said CHE impacts their patients’ financial situation, and 51% agree CHE has caused their patients to stall in their careers.
• CHE is more than skin deep, with the condition impacting other areas like sleep. Ninety-two percent (92%) of these healthcare providers said moderate-to-severe CHE causes their patients to feel self-conscious, and 85% agreed CHE impacts their patients’ ability to sleep.

“The National Eczema Association (NEA) acknowledges the urgent need for more awareness of chronic hand eczema among healthcare professionals and the public,” said Wendy Smith Begolka, NEA Chief Strategy Officer. “We recognize the far-reaching and frustrating impact it can have on people’s lives, and the importance of finding solutions to better manage this burdensome disease.”

To learn more about CHE, visit www.TalkCHE.com.

About LEO Pharma

LEO Pharma is a global leader in medical dermatology. We deliver innovative solutions for skin health, building on a century of experience with breakthrough medicines in healthcare. We are committed to making a fundamental difference in people’s lives, and our broad portfolio of treatments serves close to 100 million patients in over 70 countries annually. Headquartered in Denmark, LEO Pharma has a team of 4,000 people worldwide. LEO Pharma is co-owned by majority shareholder the LEO Foundation and, since 2021, Nordic Capital. For more information, visit www.leo-pharma.com.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is the world’s third-largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people. Their passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Ipsos serves more than 5,000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com

About the Survey Methodology

Ipsos fielded an online, 15-minute, self-administered, cross-sectional survey among healthcare providers (HCPs) currently practicing in the United States between Jan. 10 and Feb. 4, 2025. Respondents were recruited from opt-in panels of HCPs across the country. To participate in the survey, all respondents had to be practicing dermatologists or an NP/PA in a dermatology office and managed at least 10 patients in the past six months with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis on the wrists/hands.

Potential respondents were excluded from participation if they were unwilling to provide informed consent to participate in the study, have an employer-imposed restriction that would prevent participation, were located in Vermont or Michigan (due to transparency reporting laws in these states for HCPs), did not regularly treat patients with atopic dermatitis/eczema, or were unaware of any prescription treatments for moderate-to-severe chronic/reoccurring hand eczema.

The final sample size of 192 HCPs consisted of 100 dermatologists and 92 NPs/PAs practicing in a dermatology office. Survey responses weighted according to regional representation. Findings reflect the opinion of these respondents only.

For more information visit https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/dermatology-providers-say-chronic-hand-eczema-widely-misunderstood-and-inadequately-managed.

References:

1. Apfelbacher C, Bewley A, Molin S, et al. Prevalence of Chronic Hand Eczema in adults: A cross-sectional multi-national study of 60,000 respondents in the general population. Presented at the 2024 European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) congress; September 04-07 2024; Dresden, Germany. Poster presentation #3
2. Lee GR, Maarouf M, Hendricks AK, Lee DE, Shi VY. Current and emerging therapies for hand eczema. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32(3):e12840

MAT-80892 March 2025

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