Clinical characteristics and consequences of hand eczema - an 8-year follow-up study of a population-based twin cohort.

Background: Few population-based clinical follow-up studies on hand eczema are reported.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize clinical symptoms and to examine occupational and medical consequences as well as persistence of hand eczema in a population-based twin cohort.

Patients/methods: A total of 274 individuals with and without hand eczema were examined, patch tested, and interviewed in 1997-1998 and 2005-2006. Data on 188 individuals with hand eczema in 2005-2006 were analysed.

Results: Erythema and scaling were the most frequent symptoms, and fingers and palms were most often affected. Mean hand eczema severity index score in individuals with clinical symptoms was 12.0. Sick leave was reported by 12.4%; job change by 8.5%. Being in the lowest socio-economic group and atopic dermatitis were risk factors for sick leave [odds ratio (OR) = 5.6; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5-22.9 and OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.0-8.1]. The majority (63.4%) had seen a doctor at least once, and atopic dermatitis was a risk factor for more than 1 visit (OR = 3.0; 95% CI 1.4-6.4). Duration of >10 years was a risk factor for persistence of symptoms, which was reported by 67.7%.

Conclusions: The clinical picture and consequences of hand eczema vary; however, the majority experience chronic symptoms.