title: [Knowledge and therapeutic preferences in the treatment of hand eczema in general practice].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge and therapeutic preferences in the treatment of patients suffering from hand eczema in general practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was mailed to 700 Danish general physicians. Based on the case report of a man suffering from contact eczema on the hands and forearms for 4 months, the general physicians were asked to make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, advise the patient about general skin protection and consider a referral to a dermatologist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  451 (64%) completed the questionnaire. The diagnosis contact eczema was made by almost all respondents (98%). A more potent topical steroid was the most frequently prescribed medication, alternatively in combination with an antibiotic component. A subgroup (16%) wanted to prescribe a less potent topical steroid. Only 20% of the respondents wanted to refer the patient to a dermatologist at the first consultation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Danish general physicians recognise the symptoms of contact eczema. The medical treatment is predominantly in agreement with general recommendations. A minor group would choose a less potent medication which could result in an inferior treatment. Attention should be paid to the fact that patients suffering from contact eczema which lasts more than one month ought to be referred to a dermatologist.
authors: Gentofte Hospital, Videncenter for Allergi, Dermatologisk Afdeling K, Syddansk Universitet, Audit Projekt Odense, Forskningsenheden for Almen Praksis i Odense, Sundhedsstyrelsen, Center for Forebyggelse. marhal02@geh.regionh.dk
authors: Marianne
authors: M
authors: Hald
authors: Dorte Gilså
authors: DG
authors: Hansen
authors: Jette
authors: J
authors: Blands
authors: Tove
authors: T
authors: Agner
authors: Jeanne Duus
authors: JD
authors: Johansen
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003718:Denmark; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005194:Family Practice; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids