(BPT) - Could you be experiencing chronic hand eczema (CHE)? It's different from atopic dermatitis (eczema)1 and is one of the most common skin disorders that affects approximately one in ten adults worldwide.2,3
Some CHE symptoms, like itching, redness and dry, flaky skin may seem relatively minor, although irritating.1 However, the condition is also characterized by pain, thickening of the skin, blisters, swelling and cracking skin on hands and wrists.1 Often, people diagnosed with CHE face functional and emotional challenges that can impact career, self-confidence, relationships and more4,5 — a reality that Monique T. knows all too well.
Monique's journey with CHE
Monique — a resident of Shelby Township, Michigan — has lived with CHE since she was a child but experienced more intense symptoms starting in her 40s. At first, her hands became red and itchy, but she soon developed dry, flaky skin, lesions and blisters. Her CHE symptoms not only make her feel embarrassed about her hands, but she also struggles with everyday function, a common effect among CHE patients.
According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for LEO Pharma, Inc. — a medical dermatology company — 95% of U.S. dermatology providers surveyed agreed that moderate-to-severe CHE has a strong impact on patients' work and home lives.6
For Monique, CHE makes it difficult to hold things, even the steering wheel of her car, a brush or a bottle of shampoo.
"Living with chronic hand eczema is a daily challenge," Monique said. "The constant itching and pain make even simple tasks like driving to the store or washing my hair in the shower feel impossible because my hands are so sensitive and cracked that it hurts to touch anything."
These physical symptoms can also make it difficult for patients with CHE to hold down a job. For example, 86% of health care providers surveyed said moderate-to-severe CHE has caused their patients to struggle at work.6 Also, 54% said CHE impacts their patients' financial situation and 51% agreed that CHE has caused their patients to stall in their careers.6
"The hardest thing about having chronic hand eczema is its impact on my financial security," Monique said. "It's difficult to work full time when I'm having a flare and needing to call in sick or having to mask my pain while interacting with customers or co-workers."
Beyond the physical and financial realms, CHE can make emotional and social aspects of life very difficult.6 Dermatology providers reported that CHE impacts their patients' emotional health (93%) and self-consciousness (92%).6 These emotional challenges can have a strong impact on patients' dating life (72%), relationships with family and friends (72%) and desire for intimacy with their partner (68%).6
For Monique, she struggles to participate in social activities because she is constantly thinking about her hands and her CHE.
"Chronic hand eczema has a big impact on my self-esteem and my social life," Monique said. "I don't like to make plans because I'm self-conscious about my hands and live in fear of having a flare and needing to cancel."
How to manage CHE
If you're experiencing CHE symptoms, start by removing products that may exacerbate the condition.1 When performing cleaning tasks, consider using gloves to keep your skin from contacting harsh chemicals.1 It's also important to keep the skin moisturized frequently throughout the day to enhance the barrier function of the skin, even when CHE is not flaring.1
When it comes to emotional challenges, it's important to create a routine and have plans in place for how to manage the anxiety that can come from living with CHE.1 To keep her mind occupied and her emotions under control, Monique turns to nature and her dogs. She also incorporates regular exercise into her routine, goes on long walks through the park, and uses a stress ball when she's feeling anxious. It's also important to build a support system. Monique has relied on her boyfriend for encouragement and understanding, but he's also helped her when it was too painful for her to do certain tasks herself, like shower during a severe CHE flare.
Talk with your doctor
If you are living with CHE or suspect you've developed this skin disorder, it's important to talk with your doctor about your condition and possible treatment plans. To learn more about a treatment option for adults with moderate-to-severe CHE, visit www.learnaboutche.com.
References
1. Thyssen JP, Schuttelaar MLA, Alfonso JH, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hand eczema. Contact Dermatitis. 2022;86(5):357-378.
2. Lee GR, Maarouf M, Hendricks AK, Lee DE, Shi VY. Current and emerging therapies for hand eczema. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32(3):e12840.
3. Quaade AS, Simonsen AB, Halling A-S, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD. Prevalence, incidence, and severity of hand eczema in the general population – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;84:361–374.Voorberg AN, Loman L, Schuttelaar MLA. Prevalence and Severity of Hand Eczema in the Dutch General Population: A Cross-sectional, Questionnaire Study within the Lifelines Cohort Study. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022;102:adv00626.
4. Koskelo M, Sinikumpu SP, Jokelainen J, Huilaja L. Anxiety and depression in patients with hand eczema: A population-based study among 853 middle-aged subjects. Contact Dermatitis. 2023;89(6):464-470.
5. LEO Pharma Inc. LEO Pharma Survey: Dermatology Providers Agree Chronic Hand Eczema Impacts Patients' Emotional, Social, and Occupational Well-Being. Business Wire. Published April 22, 2025. Accessed May 8, 2025. Available at: 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.
MAT-83866 September 2025
