LEO Pharma Survey: Chronic Hand Eczema Misunderstood and Undermanaged
LEO Pharma Survey Highlights Widespread Misunderstanding and Inadequate Management of Chronic Hand Eczema Among Dermatology Providers
A recent survey commissioned by LEO Pharma Inc., a global leader in medical dermatology, and conducted by Ipsos has revealed significant gaps in the understanding and management of chronic hand eczema (CHE) among dermatology providers. According to the first phase of the survey, 65% of dermatology providers agree there is a lack of education and understanding of CHE as a distinct condition separate from atopic dermatitis (AD). This knowledge gap highlights an urgent need for better education and treatment strategies to address the needs of patients living with CHE.
The Challenges of Chronic Hand Eczema
CHE is a prevalent and often debilitating skin condition, affecting approximately 15.9 million people in the United States. It is characterized by painful, itchy, and inflamed skin on the hands, which can lead to cracking, blistering, and discomfort that significantly impacts daily life. Unlike atopic dermatitis, CHE is often a multifactorial disease with diverse causes, including environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and occupational exposure to irritants.
Despite its high prevalence, CHE remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many healthcare providers struggle to differentiate CHE from other dermatological conditions, leading to suboptimal treatment plans and prolonged patient suffering. The survey findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and improving diagnostic accuracy to ensure better disease management.
Survey Insights: A Significant Treatment Gap
The survey included responses from 100 doctors and 92 nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) specializing in dermatology. Among the key findings:
- Treatment Limitations: Half of dermatology providers (51%) agree that current treatments approved for moderate-to-severe AD are not sufficient for addressing moderate-to-severe CHE.
- Disease Management Challenges: Nearly two-thirds of respondents consider CHE more frustrating to manage compared to other chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
- Lack of FDA-Approved Therapies: There is currently no FDA-approved treatment specifically for CHE, further exacerbating the challenges of disease management.
Dr. Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, Clinical Associate Professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School, emphasized the complexities of CHE treatment:
“Chronic hand eczema, often abbreviated as ‘CHE,’ is one of the most common skin disorders of the hands. Affecting about 15.9 million people in the U.S., CHE is associated with pain, itching, and cracked, raw, blistering skin lesions that can make life difficult. Unfortunately, because CHE is a multifactorial condition with overlapping morphologic and etiologic subtypes, diagnosis and treatment can be complex and burdensome. It is crucial that we continue to learn more about this condition and explore effective longitudinal disease management strategies to help alleviate its burden.”
The Need for Increased Awareness and Education
In response to the survey findings, LEO Pharma is actively working to bridge the knowledge gap by providing educational opportunities for healthcare providers. The company will host a symposium, “Chronic Hand Eczema: A New Day Is at Hand,” on March 6 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando ahead of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. The event aims to enhance awareness and understanding of CHE among dermatology professionals and will feature additional survey results.
Robert Spurr, EVP and President, Region North America at LEO Pharma, highlighted the importance of these initiatives:
“With such a considerable gap in knowledge, and an unmet need for patients living with CHE, we hope this survey and the educational opportunities we are offering at AAD will drive increased awareness of the condition among healthcare providers. It’s only through better understanding of this complex disease that we can help improve the standard of care in medical dermatology and ultimately improve patients’ quality of life.”
Patient Burden: Frequent Doctor Visits and Low Treatment Adherence
Additional findings from the survey shed light on the significant burden CHE places on patients and the healthcare system:
- Frequent Medical Visits: 62% of dermatology providers reported that their moderate-to-severe CHE patients require three to four office visits per year. Additionally, 27% noted that patients visit their offices five to six times annually, indicating the chronic and persistent nature of the disease.
- Complex Treatment Regimens: Due to the lack of a single effective treatment, 61% of dermatology providers stated that, on average, their moderate-to-severe CHE patients are currently prescribed three to four different medications.
- Low Medication Adherence: Nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents estimated that between 31% and 50% of their CHE patients do not adhere to their prescribed treatments. This noncompliance is often attributed to the inefficacy of existing options, leading to frustration for both patients and providers.
Future Research and the Next Phase of the Survey
The second phase of the survey, set to be released in Q2 2025, will further examine the impact of CHE on patients’ daily lives. Early data from this phase reveal that 96% of surveyed U.S. dermatology providers agree that moderate-to-severe CHE has a profound effect on patients’ work and home life. These findings will provide more comprehensive insights into the social and economic toll of CHE and inform future treatment strategies.
Addressing the Unmet Needs in CHE Treatment
Given the lack of FDA-approved treatments for CHE, there is a critical need for novel therapeutic approaches. Pharmaceutical companies and dermatology researchers are exploring targeted therapies that specifically address the unique pathophysiology of CHE. Advances in biologics and small-molecule drugs may provide promising alternatives in the coming years.
Meanwhile, increased awareness and education remain essential to improving patient outcomes. Dermatology providers must be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to differentiate CHE from similar conditions, optimize treatment plans, and ensure patients receive the care they need.
