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BackgroundHand eczema (HE) has increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) units, and was associated with increased hand hygiene practices.ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HE, and hand hygiene practices in HCWs working in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 units.MethodsA total of 244 HCWs working in COVID‐19 (n = 118) and non‐COVID‐19 patient care units (n = 126) were examined by dermatologists with regard to demographic parameters and hand hygiene practices. The COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio according to age, atopy, and generalized dry skin.ResultsHE was more frequent in the COVID‐19 group (48.3% vs 12.7%, P < .001), whereas working years (P < .05) and additional housework at home (P < .001) were longer in the non‐COVID‐19 group. After the development of HE, moisturizing creams were reported to be more frequently used in the COVID group (P < .001). Topical corticosteroids were used in a minority (40% in the COVID group and 26.7% in the non‐COVID group).ConclusionsHCWs in COVID‐19 units developed HE more frequently. A majority increased the frequency of moisturizer use, instead of using topical corticosteroids, after the development of HE for the purpose of treating eczema. New approaches are needed for the prevention and management of HE in HCWs, especially by facilitating access to dermatologists.

Background. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing and debilitating inflammatory disease associated with profound morbidity. Aim. In this multicentre study, we investigated the demographic and clinical features of HS, and determined risk factors of disease severity. Methods. In total, 1221 patients diagnosed with HS from 29 centres were enrolled, and the medical records of each patient were reviewed. Results. The mean age of disease onset was 26.2 AE 10.4 years, and almost 70% (n = 849) of patients were current or former smokers. Mean disease duration was 8.9 AE 8.4 years with a delay in diagnosis of 5.8 AE 3.91 years. Just over a fifth (21%; n = 256) of patients had a family history of HS. The axillary, genital and neck

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