The Epidemiology Burden and Management of Chronic Hand Eczema in Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review
Author(s)
Sonja Molin, MD1, Lawrence Eichenfield, MD2, Eydna Apol, MSc3, Stine Dalsbø Antonsen, MPharm3, Delphine Pertus, MSc3, Peter O'Donovan, MSc4, Ina Zile, MBiochem5, Grace Allport, MBBS5, Danny Bond, MSc5, James Halpern, MD6.
1Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 2Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA, 3LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, Denmark, 4Adelphi Values PROVE™, Limerick, Ireland, 5Adelphi Values PROVE™, Bollington, United Kingdom, 6Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall, United Kingdom.
1Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 2Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA, 3LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, Denmark, 4Adelphi Values PROVE™, Limerick, Ireland, 5Adelphi Values PROVE™, Bollington, United Kingdom, 6Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) is a multifactorial, heterogenous inflammatory skin disease of the hands and wrists. The burden of CHE in adolescents is under reported in literature. This systematic literature review looked to quantify the epidemiological, clinical, economic, quality of life (QoL), and disease management aspects of CHE in adolescents.
METHODS: Searches were conducted in April 2025 in Embase and Medline to identify relevant literature on CHE in adolescents. Identified references were independently screened by two reviewers. Data from relevant studies were extracted by a single reviewer and checked by a second. Conference abstracts presented in the last three years across eight congresses were searched and ad-hoc searches were conducted for additional information.
RESULTS: Of 1,484 publications identified, six met inclusion criteria. All were conducted in Europe reporting epidemiology and clinical burden data; one addressed QoL and economic burden; none discussed CHE management. Most studies reported a predominantly female population (49%-72% of included patients). One study reported an overall prevalence of 5.7% for CHE among adolescents. Other studies reported prevalence between 62.6-85.7% of CHE among adolescents with hand eczema. Where reported, CHE had a detrimental effect on daily activities: 17.8% of adolescents experiencing limitations in household chores, 18.5% needing to change education programmes, and 9.7% highlighting limitations in hobbies and leisure activities. In one study, males reported higher levels of self-rated health than females, with 22.2% and 55.6% of males rating their health as “excellent” or “very good”, compared to 12.8% and 34% of females.
CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the limited evidence on CHE in adolescents. Studies had different populations and reported varying prevalence. There was a negative impact on quality of life, especially in females. Further research focusing on the epidemiology, burden and management of CHE in adolescents is needed to gain deeper insights for this population.
METHODS: Searches were conducted in April 2025 in Embase and Medline to identify relevant literature on CHE in adolescents. Identified references were independently screened by two reviewers. Data from relevant studies were extracted by a single reviewer and checked by a second. Conference abstracts presented in the last three years across eight congresses were searched and ad-hoc searches were conducted for additional information.
RESULTS: Of 1,484 publications identified, six met inclusion criteria. All were conducted in Europe reporting epidemiology and clinical burden data; one addressed QoL and economic burden; none discussed CHE management. Most studies reported a predominantly female population (49%-72% of included patients). One study reported an overall prevalence of 5.7% for CHE among adolescents. Other studies reported prevalence between 62.6-85.7% of CHE among adolescents with hand eczema. Where reported, CHE had a detrimental effect on daily activities: 17.8% of adolescents experiencing limitations in household chores, 18.5% needing to change education programmes, and 9.7% highlighting limitations in hobbies and leisure activities. In one study, males reported higher levels of self-rated health than females, with 22.2% and 55.6% of males rating their health as “excellent” or “very good”, compared to 12.8% and 34% of females.
CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the limited evidence on CHE in adolescents. Studies had different populations and reported varying prevalence. There was a negative impact on quality of life, especially in females. Further research focusing on the epidemiology, burden and management of CHE in adolescents is needed to gain deeper insights for this population.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH233
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Epidemiology & Public Health, Real World Data & Information Systems
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Pediatrics, Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin), Systemic Disorders/Conditions (Anesthesia, Auto-Immune Disorders (n.e.c.), Hematological Disorders (non-oncologic), Pain)