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Hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive sweating) is diagnosed from patient medical history and physical examination. In addition, focal sweat measurements can substantiate the hyperhidrosis diagnosis. Likewise, the impact of living with hyperhidrosis can be assessed with patient-reported outcome measures. However, no consensus exists on how to diagnose hyperhidrosis, how to quantify the disease, or how to measure the impact hyperhidrosis has on patients. Therefore, the objective of this review was to summarize the literature on diagnostic criteria, focal sweat measurement methods, and patient-reported outcome measures of hyperhidrosis. A literature search of Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed was conducted. Studies that included and aimed at developing or validating hyperhidrosis diagnostic criteria, focal sweat measurement methods, or patient-reported outcome measures for individuals with hyperhidrosis were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of diagnostic accuracy studies about focal sweat measurement methods was determined using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Overall, 33 studies were included. We identified two sets of hyperhidrosis diagnostic criteria, one scale for assessment of severity of hyperhidrosis sweating, four focal sweat measurement methods, and 15 patient-reported outcome measures. The algorithm for diagnosing hyperhidrosis and focal sweat measurement methods needs validation in large cohorts. Most patient-reported outcome measures for hyperhidrosis are not adequately validated. A potential solution is to develop a core outcome set that can standardize outcomes reported in clinical trials.

Dry skin or xerosis is a common ailment occurring both as a separate disease entity and as a symptom of other diseases, e.g. it is a cardinal symptom of atopic dermatitis1 . Infections have been described in xerosis associated with dermatitis2 . Whether xerosis without dermatitis is a risk factor for skin infections remains unknown. We therefore tested if individuals with xerosis had a risk of skin infections.

Background The pathophysiology of xerosis depends on extrinsic and intrinsic exposures. Residential hard water may constitute such an exposure. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of xerosis and to compare water hardness exposure in blood donors with and without xerosis. Methods In this retrospective cohort study in 2018–2019, blood donors with self-reported moderately or severely dry skin were compared to blood donors without dry skin. Blood donors with ichthyosis, lichen planus and psoriasis were excluded. Water hardness data was collected from the Geology Survey of Denmark and Greenland. Results Overall, 4,748 of 30,721 (15.5%; 95% confidence interval 15.1–15.9%) blood donors had xerosis. After excluding blood donors with ichthyosis, lichen planus and psoriasis, 4,416 blood donors (2,559 females; median age 38.4 years [interquartile range 28.0–49.8]; 700 smokers) remained in this study. Water softer than 12–24 degrees Deutsche härte was associated with decreased probability of xerosis (odds ratio 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.74–0.94) and water harder than 12–24 degrees Deutsche härte was associated with increased probability of xerosis (odds ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.45). The association between water hardness and xerosis remained significant after excluding blood donors with dermatitis. Conclusions Water hardness is associated with xerosis independent of other dermatoses.

The risk factors and disease implications of hyperhidrosis are unknown. The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to estimate the prevalence of hyperhidrosis and to compare demographic, life-style, and socioeconomic parameters in blood donors with and without self-reported or hospital-diagnosed hyperhidrosis. The study included blood donors from the Danish Blood Donor Study for the period 2010-2019. Registry data were collected from Statistics Denmark. Overall, 2,794 of 30,808 blood donors (9.07 9595 8.75-9.40) had self-reported hyperhidrosis and 284 of 122,225 (0.23 95.21-0.26) had hospital-diagnosed hyperhidrosis. Self-reported hyperhidrosis was associated with smoking (odds ratio (OR) 1.17; 95.05-1.31), overweight (OR 1.72; 95.58-1.87), ``unemployed'' (OR 1.60; 95.24-2.08), ``short education'' (OR 0.76; 95.64-0.90), and lower income (beta-coefficient -26,121; 9537,931, -14,311). Hospital-diagnosed hyperhidrosis did not differ from controls. Thus, self-reported hyperhidrosis was associated with potential hyperhidrosis risk factors (smoking, overweight) and disease implications (unemployment, low education level and income). The risk factors and disease implications of hyper-hidrosis are unknown. The objectives of this retrospec-tive cohort study were to estimate the prevalence of hyperhidrosis and to compare demographic, life style, and socioeconomic parameters in blood donors with and without self-reported or hospital-diagnosed hyper-hidrosis. The study included blood donors from the Danish Blood Donor Study for the period 2010–2019. Registry data were collected from Statistics Denmark. Overall, 2,794 of 30,808 blood donors (9.07%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 8.75–9.40) had self-reported hyperhidrosis and 284 of 122,225 (0.23%; 95% CI 0.21–0.26) had hospital-diagnosed hyper-hidrosis. Self-reported hyperhidrosis was associated with smoking (odds ratio (OR) 1.17; 95% CI 1.05– 1.31), overweight (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.58–1.87), “unemployed” (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.24–2.08), “short education” (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64–0.90), and lower income (beta-coefficient –26,121; 95% CI –37,931, –14,311). Hospital-diagnosed hyperhidrosis did not differ from controls. Thus, self-reported hyperhidrosis was associated with potential hyperhidrosis risk factors (smoking, overweight) and disease implications (unemployment, low education level and income).

Objectives Occupational skin disease (OSD) arises from work-related activity. However, there is a paucity of literature on OSD in physicians. The aim of the this review was therefore to examine and summarize what types of symptomatic OSD physicians experience. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search on Cochrane Library, Embase, and Pubmed. Results Contact dermatitis from formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde were found in 11.5 and 13.5% of cases, respectively. In total 2.4–14.9% had latex allergy. The reported standardized incidence ratio of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma was up to 2.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57–1.95] and 3.2 (95% CI 1.38–6.31). Transmission of human papilloma virus (HPV) particles during carbon dioxide laser wart ablation were found in 70% of samples collected from protective gloves and in 52% of samples from vapors. Conclusions The most frequently reported OSD in physicians is contact dermatitis from allergens in disinfectants and rubber gloves. There is also a risk of cutaneous reactions to latex. The incidence of skin cancer was higher in physicians than in the general population, and the reason for this remains unexplained and potentially biased. There are no reports of transmission of patient HPV to surgeons during wart ablation, possibly because of proper use of protective equipment.

Background Preventive skin care programmes have shown beneficial effects on the prevalence and severity of hand eczema, but most trials only report short-term outcomes. One such trial was the randomized Hand Eczema Trial (HET, 2009) investigating the effects of a secondary prevention programme in healthcare workers. Positive results have been reported at 5-month follow-up. Objectives To examine the long-term (42-47 months) effects of the HET. Methods The present study was a follow-up questionnaire study on the effect of the intervention. Outcomes were the presence and severity of hand eczema, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), skin protective behaviour, and knowledge of skin protection. A supplementary outcome was general improvement/worsening of hand eczema. Results Comparison of the outcomes at follow-up showed no marked differences between the two groups. General improvement was reported by 70% in the intervention group and by 54% in the control group (p = 0.25). A small, statistically significant improvement was found regarding HR-QoL in the intervention group only (p = 0.015). Conclusions The impact of an intervention that is effective after 5 months is attenuated over time, with no long-term effect on the outcomes examined. We suggest that skin care education should be repeated at regular intervals.

Background: Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is a well-known cause of skin cancer. This is problematic for outdoor workers. In Denmark alone, occupational skin cancer poses a significant health and safety risk for around 400,000 outdoor workers. Objective measures of solar ultraviolet radiation exposure are needed to help resolve this problem. This can be done using personal ultraviolet radiation dosimeters.Methods: We consider technical and practical feasibility of measuring individual solar ultraviolet exposure at work and leisure in professions with different á priori temporal high-level outdoor worktime, using aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN) photodiode detector based personal UV-B dosimeters. Essential technical specifications including the spectral and angular responsivity of the dosimeters are described and pre-campaign dosimeter calibration applicability is verified. The scale and conduct of dosimeter deployment and campaign in-field measurements including failures and shortcomings affecting overall data collection are presented.Results: Nationwide measurements for more than three hundred and fifty workers from several different professions were collected in the summer of 2016. On average, each worker’s exposure was measured for a 2-week period, which included both work and leisure. Data samples of exposure at work during a Midsummer day show differences across professions. A construction worker received high-level occupational UV exposure most of the working day, except during lunch hour, accumulating to 5.1 SED. A postal service worker was exposed intermittently around noon and in the afternoon, preceded by no exposure forenoon when packing mail, accumulating to 1.6 SED. A crane fitter was exposed only during lunch hour, accumulating to 0.7 SED. These findings are in line with our specialist knowledge as occupational physicians.Conclusions: Large-scale use of personal UV-B dosimeters for measurement of solar ultraviolet radiation exposure at work and leisure in Denmark is indeed feasible from a technical and practical viewpoint. Samples of exposure data shown support the presumption that the Danish campaign UV-B dosimeter measurement dataset can be used to sum and compare exposure between groups of professions with reliable results to be used in future analysis with clinical as well as epidemiological/questionnaire data. This was despite some dosimeter failures and shortcomings. Background: Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is a well-known cause of skin cancer. This is problematic for outdoor workers. In Denmark alone, occupational skin cancer poses a significant health and safety risk for around 400,000 outdoor workers. Objective measures of solar ultraviolet radiation exposure are needed to help resolve this problem. This can be done using personal ultraviolet radiation dosimeters.Methods: We consider technical and practical feasibility of measuring individual solar ultraviolet exposure at work and leisure in professions with different á priori temporal high-level outdoor worktime, using aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN) photodiode detector based personal UV-B dosimeters. Essential technical specifications including the spectral and angular responsivity of the dosimeters are described and pre-campaign dosimeter calibration applicability is verified. The scale and conduct of dosimeter deployment and campaign in-field measurements including failures and shortcomings affecting overall data collection are presented.Results: Nationwide measurements for more than three hundred and fifty workers from several different professions were collected in the summer of 2016. On average, each worker’s exposure was measured for a 2-week period, which included both work and leisure. Data samples of exposure at work during a Midsummer day show differences across professions. A construction worker received high-level occupational UV exposure most of the working day, except during lunch hour, accumulating to 5.1 SED. A postal service worker was exposed intermittently around noon and in the afternoon, preceded by no exposure forenoon when packing mail, accumulating to 1.6 SED. A crane fitter was exposed only during lunch hour, accumulating to 0.7 SED. These findings are in line with our specialist knowledge as occupational physicians.Conclusions: Large-scale use of personal UV-B dosimeters for measurement of solar ultraviolet radiation exposure at work and leisure in Denmark is indeed feasible from a technical and practical viewpoint. Samples of exposure data shown support the presumption that the Danish campaign UV-B dosimeter measurement dataset can be used to sum and compare exposure between groups of professions with reliable results to be used in future analysis with clinical as well as epidemiological/questionnaire data. This was despite some dosimeter failures and shortcomings.

BACKGROUND Hand eczema (HE) is a fluctuating disease, and an objective assessment of HE severity is coveted. OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken to test the association between Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) score and panel scores of photographs taken by dermatologists. METHODS A total of 33 patients with mild HE were included. The patients were part of an intervention study, and HECSI scores and standardized photographs were taken at baseline and at follow-up after 5 months. Actual change in HECSI score was compared with rating of change from photographs. A total of 15 dermatologists were engaged in blinded evaluation of photographs. RESULTS The highest correlation coefficients between delta HECSI scores and delta panel scores of photographs in the first and second evaluation rounds were found for moderate improvement and moderate worsening, rs = -0.46 (P = 0.009) and 0.52 (P = 0.003), respectively, and major worsening, r = 0.41 (P = 0.021). With respect to minor changes, no statistically significant correlations were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In patients with mild HE, photographic assessment was found useful for major and moderate changes only. Further studies would need to be performed in patients with moderate or severe HE, to evaluate whether clinical photographs are able to capture similar changes as HECSI scores.

Background The risk of photoaging and actinic keratosis caused by work related solar ultraviolet radiation exposure has not previously been investigated in Nordic countries. The objectives of this study were to describe the occurrence of photoaging, actinic keratosis, and keratinocyte cancer in a population of Danish outdoor and indoor workers, and investigate the association between these clinical findings and semi‐objective measures of work related solar ultraviolet radiation exposure in the same population. Methods A clinical cross‐sectional study of the occurrence of facial wrinkles, actinic keratosis, keratinocyte cancer, and melanocytic nevi in a population of Danish outdoor and indoor workers and associations with semi‐objective measures of work related solar ultraviolet radiation exposure based on a combination of dosimetry and self‐report. Results Work related solar ultraviolet radiation exposure was significantly positively associated with occurrence of facial wrinkles (α = 0.05). Actinic keratosis was associated to status as outdoor worker (OR = 4.272, CI [1.045‐17.471]) and age (P

Background To prevent occupational skin cancer, it is essential that the sun-protective behavior of outdoor workers is adequate. The aim is to study the sun-protective behavior of Danish outdoor workers at work, at leisure, and on sun holiday and compare it to that of indoor workers. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, based on a 53-item survey completed by Danish outdoor (n = 380) and indoor workers (n = 119) in 2016–2017. Status as outdoor or indoor worker was decided based on self-report and behavioral differences were tested using (paired) t tests and multiple regression adjusted for age, sex, educational level, history of smoking, and skin type. Results Danish outdoor workers at work use sun protection less than they do at leisure and on sun holiday (α 80.0% agree that risk of skin cancer is reduced by the use of sun protection, and only 4.0% dismiss the possibility of sun protection use at work. Conclusions Skin cancer risk and use of sun protection at work are largely neglected in Danish outdoor workers, more so than at leisure and on sun holiday where their risk behavior resembles that of indoor workers. This indicates an untapped workplace preventive potential. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12199-018-0736-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Summary Background Occupational contact dermatitis is common in healthcare workers. Although irritant contact dermatitis resulting from wet work is the most frequently reported cause, healthcare workers also constitute high-risk group for the development of allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of delayed-type and immediate-type hypersensitivity in 120 healthcare workers with hand eczema. Methods One hundred and twenty healthcare workers from three major hospitals in Denmark with self-reported hand eczema within the last year participated in the study. Patch tests included baseline series plus selected allergens, and prick tests included standard inhalational allergens plus natural rubber latex and chlorhexidine. Levels of IgE specific for latex, chlorhexidine and ethylene oxide were measured. Results Of the participants, 53% had positive patch test reactions. The most frequent positive patch test reactions were to nickel, thiomersal, fragrances, rubber chemicals, and colophonium. The prevalence of natural rubber latex allergy as diagnosed by prick testing was 2.5%, and chlorhexidine allergy (both contact allergy and IgE-mediated allergy) was found in

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease. Although most patients are well served by existing therapies, a subset of patients with severe AD are still not adequately treated. An improved understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms behind the disease has led to the development of a range of potential new drugs for this indication. Areas covered: The authors provide a narrative review of the drugs in Phase II trials listed on Clinicaltrials.gov. The authors supplement this information with recently published literature located through PubMed. The main target of new treatments appears to be the inflammation process, whereas drugs aimed at reducing itching or increasing the barrier function are fewer to nonexistent. A wide range of drugs, including small molecules and antibodies, are being tested. Expert opinion: The focus on inflammation is not only driven by the limitations posed by our current understanding of biology, but also by the broader scope of these drugs, which may be used in other diseases. In alignment with the recent drug development of other dermatological diseases, antibodies directed at key molecules in the pathogenesis of AD appear to be the most promising.

The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been estimated to be 1% of the population. Obesity is considered a co-morbidity, but the prevalence of HS in obese population is not known. A retrospective questionnaire was distributed to 383 patients over 2 years after bariatric surgery. Data on pre- and post-surgery HS symptoms and disease severity were studied. Disease severity was assessed by number of involved sites. General skin problems rated numerically on an anchored 1-10 scale. Valid responses were obtained from 249/383 (65%). A point prevalence of 18.1% (45/249) HS was found. The number of patients reporting HS symptoms after weight loss decreased by 35% and the mean number of involved sites was reduced from 1.93 to 1.22 following weight loss (p = 0.003). The prevalence of HS appears higher in the obese than in the background population, and a weight loss of more than 15% is associated with a significant reduction of disease severity.

Summary Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancers and actinic keratoses (AKs). Daylight-mediated PDT is a simple and tolerable treatment procedure for PDT. Methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL)-PDT is approved for the treatment of thin or nonhyperkeratotic AKs on the face and scalp. However, thick AK lesions are often treated as well when present in the field-cancerized treatment area. Objectives In a randomized multicentre study to evaluate efficacy of daylight-mediated PDT for different severity grades of AKs. Methods One hundred and forty-five patients with a total of 2768 AKs (severity grades I–III) of the face and scalp were randomized to either 1½ or 2½ h exposure groups. After application of a sunscreen (sun protection factor 20) and gentle lesion preparation, MAL was applied to the entire treatment area. Patients left the clinic immediately after application and exposed themselves to daylight according to randomization. Daylight exposure was monitored with a wrist-borne dosimeter. Results No difference in lesion response was found between the 1½ and 2½ h exposure group. The mean lesion response rate was significantly higher in grade I lesions (75·9%) than in grade II (61·2%) and grade III (49·1%) lesions (P 3·5 J cm−2. Conclusions Daylight-mediated PDT of moderate to thick AKs was less effective than daylight-mediated PDT of thin AKs especially in some centres. However, nearly all thicker lesions (grades II and III) were reduced to a lower lesion grade at 3 months after a single treatment of daylight-mediated PDT.

IMPORTANCE An association between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, has been suggested.Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a more localized chronic inflammation of the skin, has been speculated to have a similar association. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a substantial burden for the individual and a socioeconomic burden globally. Information about the burden of possible comorbidities is scarce.OBJECTIVE To investigate the possibility of an association between HS and MetS.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional population- and hospital-based study of HS and MetS.We identified 32 patients with physician-verified HS from the outpatient clinic at the Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital, and 326 patients with HS and 14 851 individuals without HS from the general population. Individuals with HS were younger,predominantly female, and more often smokers compared with the non-HS group.EXPOSURE Hidradenitis suppurativa.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Metabolic syndrome and its components of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity.RESULTS When compared with the non-HS group, the odds ratios (ORs) for the hospital HS and population HS groups were 3.89 (95%CI, 1.90-7.98) and 2.08 (95%CI, 1.61-2.69),respectively, for MetS; 5.74 (95%CI, 1.91-17.24) and 2.44 (95%CI, 1.55-3.83), respectively, for diabetes mellitus; 6.38 (95%CI, 2.99-13.62) and 2.56 (95%CI, 2.00-3.28), respectively, for general obesity; and 3.62 (95%CI, 1.73-7.60) and 2.24 (95%CI, 1.78-2.82), respectively, for abdominal obesity. With regard to dyslipidemia, significant results were found for decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, with ORs of 2.97 (95%CI, 1.45-6.08) and 1.94(95%CI, 1.52-2.48) for the hospital HS and general population HS groups, respectively, when compared with the non-HS group. With regard to increased triglyceride levels, only the result for the population HS group compared with the non-HS group was significant, with an OR of1.49 (95%CI, 1.18-1.87). The OR for hypertension, which was only significant for the hospital HS group compared with the non-HS group, was 2.14 (95%CI, 1.01-4.53). Obesity and inflammation acted as possible confounders. The ORs were higher for the hospital HS group compared with the population HS group. The association between HS and MetS was not influenced by the degree of HS severity.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE As with more systemic inflammatory diseases, HS appears to be associated with MetS, indicating substantial comorbidities. Because this study is cross-sectional, causality remains to be explored.

Background Psoriasis (PS) has been suggested to be associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in numerous studies with conflicting results. The vast majority of previous data were based on PS subjects from hospitals, and when based on data from the general population the PS subjects were often identified in insurance health databases. Furthermore, many studies used a single method approach, e.g. self-reported diagnosis. Objective We have therefore investigated a possible association between PS and MetS on PS subjects from the hospital as well as the general population using combined methods, i.e. self-reported diagnosis, physical examinations and blood samples. Methods A population- and hospital-based cross-sectional study of the possible association between PS and MetS. Results Thirty-six hospital PS subjects, 860 population PS subjects and 14 016 non-PS subjects were identified. The odds ratios (ORs) for hospital PS subjects and population PS subjects vs. population non-PS subjects, respectively, were 5.14 (2.47–10.69) and 1.29 (1.09–1.53) for MetS, 4.55 (1.91–10.85) and 1.16 (0.85–1.59) for diabetes, 1.92 (0.87–4.22) and 1.00 (0.86–1.17) for hypertension, 4.34 (1.86–10.10) and 1.15 (1.00–1.34) for hypertriglyceridaemia, 3.88 (1.96–7.69) and 1.19 (1.01–1.42) for hypoHDL, 5.77 (2.89–11.52) and 1.19 (1.00–1.41) for general obesity and 2.92 (1.45–5.88) and 1.34 (1.16–1.55) for abdominal obesity. Obesity acted as a possible confounder. A uniform pattern of higher ORs for hospital PS subjects when compared to population PS subjects was observed. The severity and duration of PS did not seem to affect the results. As this is a cross-sectional study we cannot demonstrate causality. Conclusion The data suggested an association between PS and MetS as well as its individual parameters on a hospital-based level, with the exception of hypertension. On a population-based level the associations were only significant for MetS, hypoHDL and abdominal obesity.

Summary Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving inverse recurrent suppuration (IRS). The epidemiology of the disease is not well described, with previous studies reporting prevalence estimates from 0·00033% to 4%. Objective To determine the prevalence of IRS in a large population-based survey. Methods Data were obtained from a general cross-sectional population study in Denmark. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to identify IRS. Persons with the combination of outbreaks of ‘boils’ during the last 6 months in predefined areas and a minimum of two boils were identified. Results A total of 16 404 adults aged 30–89 years provided data and the overall prevalence of IRS was found to be 2·10% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·88–2·32]; in men it was 1·58% (95% CI 1·29–1·86) and in women 2·56% (95% CI 2·21–2·86). No data for adults aged 20–29 years were included. The prevalence declined with age. The majority of cases (72·9%) had a body mass index of ≥ 25 kg m−2 and 77·7% were current or ex-smokers. The mean number of inflamed lesions was 6·5 (range 2–67) during the last 6 months. The lesions affected mostly the genitalia (43·4%) and groin (39·8%) for women and ‘other places’ (not specified) (78·8%) for men. Conclusions Data on IRS suggest that HS may be more prevalent than previously suggested, and the prevalence may be comparable to other major dermatoses, e.g. psoriasis. However, as no physician examination was done, the risk of recall and information bias is a major limitation.

Background Efallzumab is a recombinant numanized murine monoclonal antibody against CD11a, approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. However, recent reports suggest that it also may be effective in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of efalizumab in AD. Methods A systematic retrospective study of the medical files of patients treated with efalizumab for AD in Danish dermatology departments. Positive outcome was defined as improvement of the disease registered in the patient's file over a period exceeding 6 months. Results Two of eleven patients had a positive outcome. Nine patients stopped treatment due to progression of AD or lack of effect. Limitations Retrospective study. Conclusions Only a minority of patients with severe AD responded to efalizumab treatment in a standard dose. Following acceptance but prior to the print publication of this article in JEADV, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) recommended the suspension of the marketing authorization for efalizumab. After the occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients taking the medicine, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMEA concluded that, due to safety concerns, the benefits of efalizumab no longer outweigh its risks. This does however not preclude conclusions to be drawn regarding the role of the specific immunological mechanisms affected in the context of atopic eczema.

Skin diseases are visible, and identifying abnormal skin generally does not require specialist knowledge. Dermatology is therefore a ripe field for studies of cumulative life course impairment, because of the many diseases that affect not only the patients, but also their psychosocial interaction with others. Dermatological patients are visibly sick. The stigma associated with visible as well as hidden skin diseases is considerable and may have a major negative impact on the life course of patients. Stigma and psychosocial relations are however not the only sources of impairment for patients with dermatological diseases. Hand eczema is a prototypical example of a skin disease that causes life course impairment not only due to stigmatization, but also to a major loss of function. The impairment therefore occurs through several mechanisms increasing the potential impact of hand eczema on patients. The list of skin diseases where an assessment of cumulative life course impairment is relevant can be enlarged considerably. Diseases with functional impairment such as, e.g. scleroderma, diseases with prominent subjective symptoms such as acne or hidradenitis, and diseases with limited physical impairment but massive psychosocial impairment in specific communities such as vitiligo, are all suitable for further studies. Life course studies are particularly suitable for skin diseases due to their often chronic recurrent course, low mortality and their psychosocial aspects. The development of a stronger empirical framework is welcomed, and may lead to considerable benefits for patients.

Objective To evaluate the effect of a secondary prevention programme with education on skin care and individual counselling versus treatment as usual in healthcare workers with hand eczema. Design Randomised, observer blinded parallel group superiority clinical trial. Setting Three hospitals in Denmark. Participants 255 healthcare workers with self reported hand eczema within the past year randomised centrally and stratified by profession, severity of eczema, and hospital. 123 were allocated to the intervention group and 132 to the control group. Interventions Education in skin care and individual counselling based on patch and prick testing and assessment of work and domestic related exposures. The control was treatment as usual. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was clinical severity of disease at five month follow-up measured by scores on the hand eczema severity index. The secondary outcomes were scores on the dermatology life quality index, self evaluated severity of hand eczema, skin protective behaviours, and knowledge of hand eczema from onset to follow-up. Results Follow-up data were available for 247 of 255 participants (97%). At follow-up, the mean score on the hand eczema severity index was significantly lower (improved) in the intervention group than control group: difference of means, unadjusted −3.56 (95% confidence interval −4.92 to −2.14); adjusted −3.47 (−4.80 to −2.14), both P

Background. Healthcare workers are at increased risk of developing hand eczema. Objectives. To investigate the prevalence and severity of self-reported hand eczema, and to relate the findings to demographic data, occupation, medical speciality, wards, shifts, and working hours. Patients/materials/methods. A survey of 3181 healthcare workers was performed. Data were analysed with logistic regression. Data on sick leave and notification to the authorities were obtained. Results. The response rate was 71% (2274 of 3181). The 1-year prevalence of hand eczema was 21%, and was positively associated with atopic dermatitis, younger age, male sex (male doctors), and working hours. Eighty nine per cent of subjects reported mild/moderate lesions. Atopic dermatitis was the only factor significantly related to severity. Sick leave was reported by 8% of subjects, and notification to the authorities by 12%. Conclusions. The 21% prevalence of hand eczema in healthcare workers is double the prevalence in the background population. Eleven per cent of hand eczema patients reported severe/very severe eczema. No significant differences were found between professions or medical specialities with respect to prevalence or severity, but cultural differences between professions with respect to coping with the eczema were significant. Atopic dermatitis was related to increased prevalence and severity, and preventive efforts should be made for healthcare workers with atopic dermatitis.

Background. Hand eczema is common in healthcare workers, owing to intensive exposure to wet work and skin irritants. Targeted interventions and vocational guidance based on documented exposures and risk factors are needed. Objectives. The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between exposures (domestic and at work) and prevalence and severity of hand eczema. Methods. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to 3181 healthcare workers in Denmark. Results. Two thousand two hundred and sixty-nine (71%) workers responded to the questionnaire. Frequent hand washing was significantly related to the presence of hand eczema. Having children < 4 years old in the household was also related to the presence of hand eczema. A lower prevalence of hand eczema was found among those using moisturizers at work, and a higher prevalence was found among those using moisturizers at home. Conclusions. Although healthcare workers are recommended to use disinfectants when the hands are not visibly dirty, hand washing is still significantly related to hand eczema. Frequent hand washing may be a question of behavioural habits, and a focus for future guidance should be on changing hand washing habits. Attention should also be paid to healthcare workers with small children at home. The preventive effect of moisturizers used during working hours should be tested in future follow-up studies.

Background Hand eczema is the most frequently recognized occupational disease in Denmark with an incidence of approximately 0.32 per 1000 person-years. Consequences of hand eczema include chronic severe eczema, prolonged sick leave, unemployment, and impaired quality of life. New preventive strategies are needed to reduce occupational hand eczema. Methods/Design We describe the design of a randomised clinical trial to investigate the effects of classification of hand eczema plus individual counselling versus no intervention. The trial includes health-care workers with hand eczema identified from a self-administered questionnaire delivered to 3181 health-care workers in three Danish hospitals. The questionnaire identifies the prevalence of hand eczema, knowledge of skin-protection, and exposures that can lead to hand eczema. At entry, all participants are assessed regarding: disease severity (Hand Eczema Severity Index); self-evaluated disease severity; number of eruptions; quality of life; skin protective behaviour, and knowledge of skin protection. The patients are centrally randomised to intervention versus no intervention 1:1 stratified for hospital, profession, and severity score. The experimental group undergoes patch and prick testing; classification of the hand eczema; demonstration of hand washing and appliance of emollients; individual counselling, and a skin-care programme. The control group receives no intervention. All participants are reassessed after six months. The primary outcome is observer-blinded assessment of disease severity and the secondary outcomes are unblinded assessments of disease severity; number of eruptions; knowledge of skin protection; skin-protective behaviour, and quality of life. Trial registration The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT01012453.

Furunculosis is a deep infection of the hair follicle leading to abscess formation with accumulation of pus and necrotic tissue. Furuncles appear as red, swollen, and tender nodules on hair-bearing parts of the body, and the most common infectious agent is Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria may also be causative. In some countries, methicillin resistant S. aureus is the most common pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections which is problematic since treatment is difficult. Furunculosis often tends to be recurrent and may spread among family members. Some patients are carriers of S. aureus and eradication should be considered in recurrent cases. Solitary lesions should be incised when fluctuant, whereas patients with multiple lesions or signs of systemic disease or immunosuppression should be treated with relevant antibiotics. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to a patient suspected of staphylococcosis should include a thorough medical history, clinical examination, and specific microbiological and biochemical investigations. This is particularly important in recurrent cases where culture swabs from the patient, family members, and close contacts are mandatory to identify and ultimately control the chain of infection. Focus on personal, interpersonal, and environmental hygiene issues is crucial to reduce the risk of contamination and recurrences.

Background The incidence of occupational hand eczema is approximately 0.32 per 1,000 person years. The burden of the disease is high, as almost 60% has eczema-related sick leave during the first year after notification, and 15% are excluded from the workforce 12 years after disease onset. New treatments and prevention strategies are needed. Methods/Design Trial design: The PREVEX trial is a randomised, parallel-group, superiority trial. Participants: All individuals from the Capital Region of Denmark and Region Zealand with a suspected occupational skin disorder notified to the National Board of Industrial Injuries between June 2012 and December 2013 are invited to participate in the trial. Inclusion criteria are: self-reported hand eczema and informed consent. Exclusion criteria are: age 65 years; permanent exclusion from the workforce; inability to understand the Danish language; any serious medical condition; and lack of written informed consent. We plan to randomise 742 participants. Interventions: The experimental intervention is an educational course in skin-protective behaviour and written information about skin care related to the participants' specific occupation. Also, a telephone hotline is available and a subgroup will be offered a work-place visit. The experimental and the control group have access to usual care and treatment. All participants are contacted every eighth week with questions regarding number of days with sick leave or other absence from work. 12 months after randomisation follow-up is completed. Objective: To assesses the effect of an educational course versus treatment as usual in participants with newly notified occupational hand eczema. Randomisation: Participants are centrally randomised according to a computer-generated allocation sequence with a varying block size concealed to investigators. Blinding: It is not possible to blind the participants and investigators, however, data obtained from registers, data entry, statistical analyses, and drawing of conclusions will be blinded. Outcomes: The three co-primary outcomes, assessed at 12 months, are: total number of self-reported days with sick leave; health-related quality of life; and subjective assessment of hand eczema severity. Explorative outcomes are: self-reported eczema-related sick leave, absence from work registered by the DREAM-register and by self-report, risk behaviour, knowledge of skin protection and performance management (self-efficacy; and self-evaluated ability to self-care). Discussion The PREVEX trial will be the first individually randomised trial to investigate the benefits and harms of group-based education in patients with newly notified occupational hand eczema. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01899287