Survey Reveals Clinician Views on CHE's Impact on Quality of Life

Ninety-five percent of US dermatology clinicians surveyed agreed moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) has a strong impact on patients’ work and home life, according to the second phase of a survey sponsored by LEO Pharma Inc., the company announced in a press release.

The survey, which was conducted by Ipsos and included responses from 100 physicians and 92 nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) in dermatology, found 93% believe CHE impacts their patients’ emotional health, and 92% said moderate-to-severe CHE impacts their patients’ ability to perform daily activities, such as typing at a computer.

“Living with chronic hand eczema is a daily challenge. The constant itching and pain make even simple tasks like driving or washing my hair in the shower feel impossible because my hands are so sensitive and cracked that it hurts to touch anything,” Monique T., a CHE patient, said in the press release. “The hardest thing about having chronic hand eczema is its impact on my financial security. It’s difficult to work full time because I’m self-conscious about my hands and live in fear of having a flare and needing to call in sick or having to mask my pain while interacting with customers or co-workers.”

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, Clinical Associate Professor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School and Founder and Director of the Center for Medical Dermatology + Immunology Research, added: “Given that we use our hands for almost everything we do, chronic hand eczema can significantly disrupt patients' daily routines. Many of my patients struggle with simple household tasks like washing dishes, cleaning or even using a keyboard for work. The toll on their self-confidence and mental well-being can be overwhelming. It is important that we continue to shed light on the complexities of chronic hand eczema, deepen our understanding of this debilitating condition, and ultimately help patients reclaim their lives.”

Additional survey findings revealed:

• Seventy-two percent of clinicians in the survey said moderate-to-severe CHE impacts the dating life of their patients, and 72% said CHE impacts their patients’ relationships with family and friends. Sixty-eight percent of survey respondents agree CHE has impacted their patients’ desire to be intimate in their relationship with a significant other.
• Eighty-six percent of clinicians in the survey said moderate-to-severe CHE has caused their patients to struggle at work. Fifty-four percent said CHE impacts their patients’ financial situation, and 51% agree CHE has caused their patients to stall in their careers.
• Ninety-two percent (92%) of these clinicians said moderate-to-severe CHE causes their patients to feel self-conscious, and 85% agreed CHE impacts their patients’ ability to sleep.

“The National Eczema Association (NEA) acknowledges the urgent need for more awareness of chronic hand eczema among healthcare professionals and the public,” Wendy Smith Begolka, NEA Chief Strategy Officer, said in the press release. “We recognize the far-reaching and frustrating impact it can have on people’s lives, and the importance of finding solutions to better manage this burdensome disease.”