Italian Expert Opinion on Chronic Hand Eczema: from Guidelines to Clinical Practice

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by different pathomechanisms, clinical presentations, and prognoses. Treatment is often challenging because of limited approved drugs, and severe CHE is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and poor overall health measures in terms of psychological, functional, and occupational challenges. This study aims to describe the real-life management practices of Italian dermatologists who frequently treat patients with CHE, compare these practices with existing guidelines, and propose practical clinical recommendations for the management of these patients. Methods: An 11-question survey was administered to 14 participating dermatologists to gather their insights on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of CHE. Moreover, a