A new study in the British Journal of Dermatology has determined that chronic hand eczema (CHE) affects approximately 4.7% of adults across Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This cross-sectional multinational survey, involving over 60,000 respondents, marks a significant step in understanding the prevalence of this skin condition and is the first to assess CHE prevalence using a consistent definition across multiple countries.
Chronic hand eczema is defined as having hand eczema continuously for three months or more or experiencing at least two flares within the past year. Despite its impact on daily life, CHE has historically received limited attention, partly due to the absence of a specific International Classification of Diseases code. This lack of classification has hindered comprehensive assessments of its prevalence.
The study, led by a team of dermatologists including Dr. Sonja Molin from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., utilized an online questionnaire to gather data from adults aged 18 to 69 years. The researchers implemented quotas to ensure that the sample reflected the general population's demographics, including factors such as sex, age, employment status, and urban versus rural living conditions.
Among the 60,131 participants surveyed, 2,847 reported being diagnosed with CHE by a physician. The findings revealed notable disparities in prevalence rates based on various socio-demographic factors. Women were found to be significantly more affected than men, with a prevalence rate of 5.6% compared to 3.8% for males. Employment status also played a role; employed individuals reported a higher prevalence (5.3%) than their unemployed counterparts (3.3%). Additionally, urban residents experienced higher rates of CHE at 5.0%, compared to 3.7% among those living in rural areas.
Age was another critical factor; the highest prevalence (6.5%) was observed among individuals aged 30 to 39 years, while those aged 60 to 69 years reported the lowest prevalence (2.6%).
The results underscore that chronic hand eczema is not just a rare condition but a common dermatologic issue affecting millions in these regions. The study authors hope this research will lead to improved recognition and management strategies for patients with this debilitating skin disease.