Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Hand Eczema

Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed). 2020 Jan 2;111(1):26-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2019.04.005.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Hand eczema is a common condition associated with significantly impaired quality of life and high social and occupational costs. Managing hand eczema is particularly challenging for primary care and occupational health physicians as the condition has varying causes and both disease progression and response to treatment are difficult to predict. Early diagnosis and appropriate protective measures are essential to prevent progression to chronic eczema, which is much more difficult to treat. Appropriate referral to a specialist and opportune evaluation of the need for sick leave are crucial to the good management of these patients. These guidelines cover the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of chronic hand eczema and highlight the role that primary care and occupational health physicians can play in the early management of this disease.

Keywords: Chronic eczema; Corticoides tópicos; Criterios de derivación; Dermatitis; Diagnosis; Diagnóstico; Eccema crónico; Emolientes; Emollients; General practitioners; Hands; Manos; Médico de atención primaria; Referral criteria; Topical corticosteroids.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Decision Trees
  • Eczema / diagnosis*
  • Eczema / prevention & control
  • Eczema / therapy*
  • Hand Dermatoses / diagnosis*
  • Hand Dermatoses / prevention & control
  • Hand Dermatoses / therapy*
  • Humans