Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review

Abstract Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common and challenging skin condition, characterized by persistent hand dermatitis which lasts over 3 months or recurs at least twice a year. This condition is often multifactorial, involving genetic predispositions, environmental factors and triggers, such as...

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Main Authors: Gioele Ghezzi, Costanza Falcidia, Giovanni Paolino, Santo R. Mercuri, Alessandra Narcisi, Antonio Costanzo, Mario Valenti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2025-03-01
Series:Dermatology and Therapy
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01365-7
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author Gioele Ghezzi
Costanza Falcidia
Giovanni Paolino
Santo R. Mercuri
Alessandra Narcisi
Antonio Costanzo
Mario Valenti
author_facet Gioele Ghezzi
Costanza Falcidia
Giovanni Paolino
Santo R. Mercuri
Alessandra Narcisi
Antonio Costanzo
Mario Valenti
author_sort Gioele Ghezzi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common and challenging skin condition, characterized by persistent hand dermatitis which lasts over 3 months or recurs at least twice a year. This condition is often multifactorial, involving genetic predispositions, environmental factors and triggers, such as irritants and allergens. Studies show a higher incidence in women, though prevalence estimates vary across different age groups. The pathogenesis involves complex immune mechanisms, particularly Th1/Th2 cell responses. Clinically, CHE presents in various forms, with symptoms such as redness, scaling and itching that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Treatment approaches are diverse. While emollients and topical corticosteroids have historically been the mainstay, new systemic therapies like JAK inhibitors and biologics are progressively being used for severe cases. Key molecular targets comprise interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, the JAK-STAT pathway, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) and chemoattractant chemokines. Managing CHE effectively remains a challenge because of its chronicity and the variability in individual responses to treatment. However, emerging therapeutic strategies will help clinicians to offer more patient-centred approaches.
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issn 2193-8210
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publishDate 2025-03-01
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series Dermatology and Therapy
spelling doaj-art-7123ef0624e541f384b5b564610250c12025-08-20T02:25:34ZengAdis, Springer HealthcareDermatology and Therapy2193-82102190-91722025-03-0115477179510.1007/s13555-025-01365-7Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative ReviewGioele Ghezzi0Costanza Falcidia1Giovanni Paolino2Santo R. Mercuri3Alessandra Narcisi4Antonio Costanzo5Mario Valenti6Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalDermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalUnit of Dermatology, IRCCS San Raffaele HospitalUnit of Dermatology, IRCCS San Raffaele HospitalDermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalDermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalDermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalAbstract Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common and challenging skin condition, characterized by persistent hand dermatitis which lasts over 3 months or recurs at least twice a year. This condition is often multifactorial, involving genetic predispositions, environmental factors and triggers, such as irritants and allergens. Studies show a higher incidence in women, though prevalence estimates vary across different age groups. The pathogenesis involves complex immune mechanisms, particularly Th1/Th2 cell responses. Clinically, CHE presents in various forms, with symptoms such as redness, scaling and itching that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Treatment approaches are diverse. While emollients and topical corticosteroids have historically been the mainstay, new systemic therapies like JAK inhibitors and biologics are progressively being used for severe cases. Key molecular targets comprise interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, the JAK-STAT pathway, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) and chemoattractant chemokines. Managing CHE effectively remains a challenge because of its chronicity and the variability in individual responses to treatment. However, emerging therapeutic strategies will help clinicians to offer more patient-centred approaches.https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01365-7Chronic hand eczemaTherapeuticsAtopic dermatitisHand dermatitis
spellingShingle Gioele Ghezzi
Costanza Falcidia
Giovanni Paolino
Santo R. Mercuri
Alessandra Narcisi
Antonio Costanzo
Mario Valenti
Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review
Dermatology and Therapy
Chronic hand eczema
Therapeutics
Atopic dermatitis
Hand dermatitis
title Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review
title_full Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review
title_fullStr Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review
title_full_unstemmed Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review
title_short Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE): A Narrative Review
title_sort chronic hand eczema che a narrative review
topic Chronic hand eczema
Therapeutics
Atopic dermatitis
Hand dermatitis
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01365-7
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AT costanzafalcidia chronichandeczemacheanarrativereview
AT giovannipaolino chronichandeczemacheanarrativereview
AT santormercuri chronichandeczemacheanarrativereview
AT alessandranarcisi chronichandeczemacheanarrativereview
AT antoniocostanzo chronichandeczemacheanarrativereview
AT mariovalenti chronichandeczemacheanarrativereview