title: Assessing United States Patient and Dermatologist Experiences with Severe Chronic Hand Eczema.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Patients with severe chronic hand eczema often have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities, social functioning, and employment. Many patients are refractory to topical corticosteroids. This survey-based study was performed to characterize treatment experiences, impact on productivity, and quality of life of patients with severe chronic hand eczema; understand dermatologists' severe chronic hand eczema treatment patterns.
  
  
  METHODS
  A web-based survey in the United States queried pre-identified patients with severe chronic hand eczema regarding symptoms, treatment history, quality of life, work productivity, treatment satisfaction, and healthcare utilization. In a separate survey, dermatologists were asked about treatment patterns and satisfaction with currently available therapies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most commonly reported symptoms currently experienced by patients (n=163) were dryness/flaking (81%), itchiness (75%), and cracking/tearing of the skin (71%). Over the last three months, 84 percent of patients with severe chronic hand eczema self-reported using topical steroids, and 30 percent used systemic corticosteroids or retinoids. Approximately 30 percent reported impairment while working and productivity loss. Patient quality of life was negatively impacted. Dermatologists (n=125) reported most often treating severe chronic hand eczema with topical corticosteroids (99%), followed by topical immunomodulators (71%) and systemic treatments (70%). Only two percent were very satisfied with currently available products.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with severe chronic hand eczema experience symptoms that negatively impact work productivity and quality of life. Few dermatologists are very satisfied with currently available severe chronic hand eczema treatment options.
authors.affiliation: RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina;
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dibenedetti
authors.affiliation: Stiefel, A GSK Company, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina ; Currently retired;
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baranowski
authors.affiliation: Stiefel, A GSK Company, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina ; Current affiliation: ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zelt
authors.affiliation: RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina;
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.affiliation: RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina;
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sherrill