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Background: Hyperkeratotic hand and foot dermatitis significantly affects quality of life. Some patients respond suboptimally to topical corticosteroids and have multiple recurrences. Objective: Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety profile of apremilast and topical corticosteroid versus corticosteroid alone in hyperkeratotic hand and foot dermatitis. Methods: This randomized controlled study involved 77 patients treated for 3 months. Group A (39 patients) received mometasone furoate 0.1% cream with oral apremilast 30 mg twice daily, and Group B (38 patients) received mometasone alone. They were assessed monthly using the Hand Eczema Clinical Severity Index (HECSI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pruritus. Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and Quality of Life in Hand Eczema Questionnaire (QOLHEQ) were conducted at the end of 3 months. Results: The HECSI, VAS score, and QOLHEQ showed a significant decrease in both groups from baseline to the third month. Intergroup comparisons of HECSI failed to reach the significance level. When compared, patients receiving apremilast had significantly better improvement in the third month according to the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA). They also had a smaller number of flares. Conclusion: Adding apremilast to topical corticosteroid leads to better patient and physician‐perceived improvement and reduces the number of flares in hyperkeratotic hand eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Rubber gloves contain rubber accelerators that may cause contact allergy. The content of sensitising rubber accelerators in contemporary rubber gloves is not well known.Identify and quantify the content of rubber accelerators in disposable rubber gloves.Fifty‐one gloves of 49 different brands were collected. Forty‐eight of the gloves were disposable and three re‐usable. The gloves were analysed for their content of sensitising rubber accelerators, that is, zinc dithiocarbamates, thiurams, thiazoles/benzothiazoles, diphenylguanidine, and thioureas by high‐performance liquid chromatography.Rubber accelerators were identified in 43/48 (90%) of the disposable gloves. In total, 39 gloves contained zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC) (0.18–1.96 mg/g), 34 zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) (0.032–2.78 mg/g), three zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate (0.65–1.4 mg/g), one zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (0.23 mg/g), and one 1,3‐diphenylguanidine (0.21 mg/g). 2‐cyanoethyl dimethyldithiocarbamate (CEDMC) was identified in three gloves (<0.052 mg/g). The one glove labelled as accelerator free contained ZDBC (1.07 mg/g). Only few glove packages had the specific content of rubber accelerators labelled.The most frequent rubber accelerators in rubber gloves are ZDEC and ZDBC. Accelerator‐free gloves may contain rubber accelerators. Full labelling of rubber gloves is needed and producers should be sure not to falsely claim that the rubber gloves are free of rubber accelerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Studies on wet work and hand eczema (HE) frequently rely solely on self‐reports regarding wet work.To assess the association between wet work and moderate‐to‐very‐severe HE, within the Dutch general population, by using a (sex‐specific) job exposure matrix (JEM).Within the Lifelines Cohort Study, participants with self‐reported moderate‐to‐very‐severe HE at worst in the past year were linked to data from the Danish (sex‐specific) wet work JEM, a tool that links occupations with wet work indices (including duration and probability of glove use, wet hands and total wet work for at least 2 and 4 h/working day).In total, 56 978 (41.9%) participants were included. The multivariate binary logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between all facets of wet work and moderate‐to‐very‐severe HE. When using the sex‐specific JEM, significant associations were found in females, but not in males.This study is the first to use a wet work‐specific JEM in a general population sample, and found positive associations between wet work and HE. The sex‐specific findings should be interpreted with caution, due to limitations inherent in using a JEM, and should be further explored with observational studies, with a focus on duration, frequency, and exposure type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Earlier studies suggested a potential association between tobacco smoking and nickel sensitization, but little is known about other contact allergens. Objectives: To investigate the association of smoking status and contact sensitizations as well as subtypes of dermatitis, and to analyse the sensitization profiles of tobacco smokers. Patients and Methods: Within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), we performed a cross‐sectional multicentre pilot study comprising 1091 patch‐tested patients from 9 departments, comparing 541 patients with a history of cigarette smoking (281 current and 260 former smokers) with 550 never‐smokers. Results: We could not confirm the previously reported association between nickel sensitization and tobacco smoking. Moreover, sensitizations to other allergens, including colophony, fragrance mix I, Myroxylon pereirae and formaldehyde, were not increased in cigarette smokers compared with never smokers. Hand dermatitis (50.6% vs. 33.6%) and occupational cause (36.2% vs. 22.5%) were significantly more frequent among cigarette smokers compared with never‐smokers as shown by non‐overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Conclusions: Although our study does not allow a firm conclusion on whether smoking status contributes to certain contact sensitizations, it confirms an association of smoking with hand dermatitis and occupational cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) is associated with poor treatment adherence and is common among patients with skin disease. Knowledge about corticosteroid phobia and treatment adherence among patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE) is limited. To investigate patient-reported outcomes regarding topical corticosteroids (TCSs), and their impact on treatment adherence in patients with CHE. Patients with CHE from the Danish Skin Cohort answered a questionnaire including the TOPICOP scale and Medication Adherence Report Scale. Response rate was 69.2%. Of 927 with CHE, 75.5% totally or almost agreed that TCS damage the skin, 48.9% totally or almost agreed that TCS would affect their future health and 36.3% reported some degree of fear of TCS although they were unaware of any TCS-associated risks. Most patients (77.9%) always or often stop treatment as soon as possible, whereas 54.8% always or often wait as long as possible before starting treatment. Overall, 38.8% reported that they had taken less medicine than prescribed and 54.0% had stopped treatment throughout a period. Treatment adherence decreased with increasing corticosteroid phobia (P =.004). TOPICOP has not been validated in patients with CHE. Corticosteroid phobia is common among patients with CHE and negatively associated with treatment adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant surge in glove usage, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Despite efforts to ensure the quality and safety of gloves, glove-associated skin diseases such as hand dermatitis have become ubiquitous, particularly among health care workers. This review discusses the prevalence, causes, and risk factors of hand dermatitis, as well as research efforts in medical gloves in the past decade to overcome glove-related hand dermatitis. Research papers from 2013 to 2022 were reviewed, selecting only 49 relevant papers from the Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The average prevalence of hand dermatitis among health care workers increased from 21.08% to 37.24% upon the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cases are likely due to allergies to latex proteins, rubber additives, and accelerators commonly found in gloves. Using alternatives to latex gloves, such as accelerator-free and latex-free glove options, can help reduce allergy-induced hand dermatitis. Strict hand hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers, are also contributing factors in contracting hand dermatitis. Over the past decade, glove research advancements have focused mainly on reducing or immobilizing latex proteins. These include the use of biodegradable dialdehyde, sodium alginate, arctigenin, bromelain, papain, UV-LED, prototype photoreactors, and structure-modified nanosilica with silane A174. Two effective hand dermatitis preventive measures, i.e. an additional layer of glove liners and the use of gentle alcohol-based hand sanitizer, were recommended. These advancements represent promising steps towards mitigating hand dermatitis risks associated with glove usage.

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Hand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease with a negative impact on patients' quality of life in occupational and non‐occupational settings. Up‐to‐date, data on HE in Italian patients referred for patch testing are lacking.To characterise the profile in terms of demographics, aetiology and patch test results of Italian patients affected by HE referred for patch testing.A retrospective descriptive study on consecutive patients affected by HE who underwent patch testing from 2016 to 2023 in eight dermatology clinics was performed. HE patients were divided into two groups according to the exclusive (HE‐only group) and not‐exclusive (HE+ group) hand involvement, and compared to patients with eczema localised in body areas other than hands (NHE group).One thousand five hundred and ninety‐seven patients were affected by HE (35.3% males; mean age 42.7 years), 60.2% belonging to the HE‐only group and 39.8% to the HE+ group. Occupational dermatitis was diagnosed in 33.2% of HE‐only patients, 25.0% of HE+ patients and 5.2% of NHE patients (p < 0.001). HE‐only patients presented: Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD), atopic HE in 48.1%, 47.5% and 7.1%, respectively; hyperkeratotic palmar, acute recurrent vesicular and nummular clinical subtypes in 52.2%, 43.9% and 11.9%, respectively; relevant positive patch test reactions in 48.1% (nickel sulphate 18.9%, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 10.6%, methylisothiazolinone 8.6%, p‐phenylenediamine 6.0% and potassium dichromate 4.7%).HE patients, and particularly those with exclusive hand involvement, show a particular profile in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics, etiologies and relevant positive patch test reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mainly women work as foot care specialists (FCS). They are at risk to develop occupational dermatitis (OD). Objectives: The objective of this study is to describe the contact sensitisation pattern of female FCS with OD. Methods: In a retrospective study, patch test and clinical data collected by the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) from 2008 to 2022 were analysed. Data of 116 female FCS with OD were compared with data of 13 930 female patients with OD working in other professions and 78 612 female patients without OD. Results: Hand dermatitis (93.1%) was significantly more common and face dermatitis (0.9%) significantly less common in female FCS with OD compared to other female patients with or without OD. Frequent suspected allergen sources were disinfectants, gloves, leave‐on and nail cosmetics. Occlusion and wetness were important co‐factors. The most common diagnoses were irritant contact dermatitis (26.7%) and allergic contact dermatitis (21.6%). No sensitisation to any of the baseline series allergens was significantly more frequent in female FCS with OD than in the two control groups. However, sensitisations to allergens which FCS are abundantly exposed to, including fragrances, preservatives, rubber ingredients and disinfectants, were most common. Conclusions: FCS should be aware of the OD risk and prevention should be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Global Guidelines in Dermatology Mapping Project (GUIDEMAP) assesses the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for high‐burden skin diseases. This review focuses on contact dermatitis. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, Epistemonikos, PsycINFO and Academic Search Premier for CPGs published between 1 November 2018 and 1 November 2023. Prespecified guideline resources were hand searched. Two authors independently undertook screening, data extraction and quality assessments. Instruments used were the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II Reporting Checklist, the U.S. Institute of Medicine's (IOM) criteria of trustworthiness, The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National Guideline Clearinghouse Extent Adherence to Trustworthy Standards (NEATS) Instrument and Lenzer's Red Flags. Twenty five CPGs were included, exhibiting heterogeneity in both the topics they addressed and their methodological quality. Whereas the CPGs on management of hand eczema from Denmark, Europe and the Netherlands scored best, most CPGs fell short of being clear, unbiased, trustworthy and evidence‐based. Disclosure of conflicts of interest scored well, and areas needing improvement include 'strength and wording of recommendations', 'applicability', 'updating' and 'external review'. Adhering to AGREE II and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) enhances methodological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Purslane extract showed promising results in treating chronic hand eczema (CHE) symptoms. • Purslane syrup improved fissure, itching, dryness, and patient's self-reporting of symptoms in patients with CHE, significantly. • Purslane syrup was well-tolerated and associated with higher treatment satisfaction. • Future studies could establish the safety and effectiveness of purslane as a potential therapeutic agent for CHE. Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common skin inflammation with a complex pathophysiology. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is traditionally used in Persian medicine for skin ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized purslane extract (based on traditional Persian medicine) for adults with mild or moderately severe CHE. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at Razi Hospital in Iran from January to June 2022. Participants were randomly allocated to receive an oral purslane or placebo syrup plus topical Vaseline for four weeks. Seventy participants were randomly allocated into the intervention (n = 35) and placebo (n = 35) groups. The primary outcomes were the extent and severity of CHE symptoms over the four weeks after adjusting for age, gender and baseline score. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, symptom recurrence, treatment satisfaction, and adverse events. After 4 weeks of treatment, compared to the placebo group (n = 31), the purslane group (n = 31) had significantly lower physician-reported fissure scores (adjusted mean difference (adjMD): -0.50, 95 %CI -3.93 to -0.34, p = 0.043), participant-reported itching (adjMD -0.51, 95 %CI -2.32 to -0.31, p = 0.041), dryness (adjMD -1.46, 95 %CI -2.89 to -0.03, p = 0.045), and total itching, dryness and thickness (adjMD -2.36, 95 %CI -6.23 to -1.51, p = 0.023) scores. Fourteen participants (purslane n = 10; placebo n = 4, p = 0.068) experienced adverse events of mild to moderate severity. Purslane has some promising effects for reducing the extent and severity of CHE symptoms, and no direct comparisons have been made with commonly used treatments. Future multicenter trials and mechanistic studies are warranted to establish the safety and effectiveness of purslane as a potential therapeutic agent for CHE. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20200707048040N1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, hand eczema (HE)‐related presenteeism has never been assessed within the general population, and general population‐based studies on HE‐related sickness absence are limited. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of HE‐related presenteeism and sickness absence, and factors associated with HE‐related presenteeism, within the Dutch general population. Methods: Within the Lifelines Cohort Study, participants with HE in the last year (aged 18–65 in 2020), were identified by a questionnaire including questions regarding HE‐related presenteeism and sickness absence. Socio‐demographic factors were collected from 2006 to 2020. Results: Out of the 3.703 included participants with HE, 2.7% (n = 100) reported HE‐related presenteeism, with 19.8% (n = 57) among those with severe‐to‐very‐severe HE. HE‐related sickness absence was reported by 0.5% (n = 20) and 5.9% (n = 17), respectively. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and sex, showed negative associations between HE‐related presenteeism and higher educational attainment, higher income (>€2500) and higher occupational skill level, and positive associations for high‐risk occupations, chronic HE, moderate and severe‐to‐very‐severe HE (compared to almost clear), atopic dermatitis and occupational wet exposure. Conclusions: A high prevalence of HE‐related presenteeism was found among participants with severe‐to‐very‐severe HE. Future studies should focus on longitudinal associations with the clinical course of HE, as HE‐related presenteeism might aggravate symptoms of HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The international classification of diseases, 10th revision (ICD‐10) includes several unvalidated diagnostic codes for hand eczema (HE). Knowledge is sparse on HE patient characteristics. Objectives: To validate selected HE ICD‐10 codes in the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) and describe disease characteristics, lifestyle factors and medication use in adult HE patients. Methods: Nineteen HE ICD‐10 codes were selected and validated based on patient charts. Five cohorts were constructed based on the diagnostic code, DL30.8H (HE unspecified), in the DNPR: (i) patients with DL30.8H code (n = 8386), (ii) patients with DL30.8H code, but without atopic dermatitis (AD) (n = 7406), (iii) sex‐ and age‐matched general population (n = 8386) without HE. Two additional cohorts nested in the DNPR included participants from the Danish Skin Cohort, (iv) patients with DL30.8H code but without AD (n = 1340) and (v) general population cohort (n = 9876). Results: ICD‐10 codes revealed positive predictive values ≥90% except irritant contact dermatitis (unspecified) (79.7%) and hyperkeratotic hand and foot eczema (84.1%). HE patients were most often women, middle‐aged or older, of Danish ethnicity, had an atopic medical history and were smokers. Topical corticosteroid prescriptions were almost doubled in HE cohorts compared to general populations. Conclusion: We validated several HE ICD‐10 codes and identified important HE patient characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinically, hand dermatitis manifests as either irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) or allergy contact dermatitis (ACD). Patients with hand dermatitis typically use emollients to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Objective: This investigation aims to evaluate the efficacy of emollient topical therapy on hand dermatitis. Methods: The study's design was based on a literature review, and the research samples were obtained through online searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Results: 495 items were subsequently excluded based on the restriction criteria. We obtained eight research articles for evaluation. Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI), TEWL, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Modified Total Lesion Symptom Score (mTLSS), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), and Visual analog score (VAS) were used to measure hand dermatitis, and there was a significant increase in these measurements for emollients. In the conclusion of the eight articles, six stated that they were significant, and two stated that emollients were effectively used as topical therapy. Conclusion: Emollients typically act on the epidermis, particularly the stratum corneum, which can reduce TEWL so that antigen penetration and inflammation spread are not facilitated.

Background: Rubber accelerators are used in the production of rubber gloves and may cause contact allergy. Objectives: To estimate long‐term trend and prevalence of contact allergy to rubber accelerators for a 30‐year period in Denmark, high‐risk occupations, and exposures. Methods: Data from all patients with contact dermatitis consecutively patch tested at the department of Skin and Allergy Gentofte hospital with the rubber accelerators from the European baseline series (EBS) from 1990 to 2019, were analysed. Further, patients under suspicion of rubber accelerator contact allergy were additionally patch‐tested with rubber accelerators from the specialised rubber series from 2005 to 2019 and these were additional extracted. Results: The overall prevalence of contact allergy to one or more of the rubber accelerators from the EBS series was 2.7% with a significant decline in the first 12‐years, followed by a stable frequency in the past 18‐years. Associations with occupational contact dermatitis, hand dermatitis, and leg/foot dermatitis were found. Wet‐work occupations were most often affected and gloves the most frequent exposure. Conclusions: Contact allergy to one or more of the rubber accelerators from the EBS is frequent and has been unchanged for several decades, which calls for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

Hand eczema is a chronic condition that affects an estimated 14.5% of the general population. It has severe quality of life ramifications in those that struggle with it, including days missed from work or school, productivity loss and impaired work functioning. For years, the standard of care included topical moisturizing creams, topical steroids and more recently systemic agents. As new therapeutic targets emerge and recent advances are being developed, it is now more possible than ever that hand eczema can be managed via the underlying mechanisms. A review of the literature was conducted to identify current treatment options for hand eczema and chronic hand eczema. The terms 'hand eczema', 'hand dermatitis' were used to search PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase. To identify new therapies still undergoing investigation, we used the terms 'hand eczema', 'hand dermatitis', 'atopic dermatitis', and 'vesicular eczema of hands and/or feet' to search Clinicaltrials.gov for all studies until December 2022. There were 56 ongoing clinical trials identified for pharmacological treatments for hand eczema on Clinicaltrials.gov from 2000 - 2022, with 16 that are new or ongoing. These included studies for dupilumab, ruxolitinib, delgocitinib (LEO124249), gusacitinib (ASN002), AFX 5931, and roflumilast (ARQ-252). Two major classes of drugs emerging for the treatment of hand eczema include IL-4/IL-13 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors. With the increase in efficacy seen with these new drugs, we are also noting improved adverse effect profiles, making them attractive options to add to a clinician's management toolbox for patients with hand eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most occupational skin disease (OSD) is caused by contact dermatitis which affects workplace productivity, quality of life (QoL) and is associated with a substantial economic burden. We report on whether there have been any emerging workplace allergens identified over the past six years. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using de-identified data obtained from patients assessed at our Occupational Dermatology Clinic in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia from 2017 to 2022. Patch-testing was performed to identify allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Results: Of a total of 657 patch-tested patients, ACD (151/298, 50.3%) was the most common diagnosis in those with significant work-related skin conditions,. The top occupational groups affected were healthcare workers (HCW) (29%; 45/151), trade workers (25.2%; 38/151) and health-and-beauty workers (13.2%; 20/151). The most common allergens were rubber chemicals, particularly thiurams. The next most common were the preservatives such as methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI). Conclusion: Rubber chemicals remain the most common occupational allergens followed by MCI and MI. HCW were the largest affected occupational group. Despite occasional case reports of new allergens, no major change in the causes of OCD was detected. Where possible, workplaces should provide allergen-free products to reduce the risk of developing ACD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Occupational hand dermatitis is a common work-related disorder of the skin. Prevention and management of this disease is critical to improving workers' quality of life and for occupation-specific retention. Recent Findings: This is a critical review of the current literature on occupational hand dermatitis. Occupational dermatitis continues to have a high prevalence among workers although the overall incidence may be slowly decreasing. Irritant contact dermatitis due to wet work exposure is the most common cause of occupational hand dermatitis. Healthcare workers, hairdressers, and metal workers are at particularly high risk for this disease. While some prevention programs have been ineffective in mitigating occupational hand dermatitis, other more resource-intensive initiatives may have benefit. Summary: Continued research is needed on ways to manage wet work exposures and on scalable, effective prevention programs for occupational hand dermatitis. The spectrum of culprit contact allergens continues to evolve, and vigilance for potential occupation-specific allergens remains important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massage therapists are particularly exposed to constituents of massage preparations, wet work and mechanical strain and therefore, at high risk to develop occupational dermatitis (OD). Objectives: To describe the sensitization spectrum of massage therapists with OD. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study, patch test data of patients with OD (128 massage therapists and 24 374 patients working in other professions) collected by the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK, 2008–2020) were analysed. Results: Hand dermatitis (91.4%) and allergic contact dermatitis (34.4%) were common in massage therapists with OD. Most frequent were sensitizations to fragrances/essential oils which were found in 54 (42.2%) massage therapists and thus, more often than in other patients with OD. Concomitant positivity to several fragrances/essential oils was frequent. In 8 (14.8%) of the 54 massage therapists, sensitizations to fragrances/essential oils were not detected with the baseline series, but only with special fragrance series. Conclusions: Allergic contact dermatitis is common in massage therapists with OD and is mainly caused by fragrances and essential oils. Hence, massage therapists should be aware of this risk. When OD is suspected, not only the baseline series, but also special fragrance series should be patch tested in this occupational group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) wash their hands with tap water (TW) and soap. However, hard TW causes dermatitis. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of ultra‐pure soft water (UPSW) with those of TW on the hands of HWCs. Methods: The present study was a prospective randomized trial with a crossover design. All the nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the study centre were divided into Sequence 1 (UPSW to TW) or 2 (TW to UPSW) and washed their hands with TW or UPSW in alternating 4‐week periods with a 4‐week washout period. Trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were evaluated. Skin condition was self‐assessed. Results: Twenty‐one and 22 nurses were assigned to Sequence 1 and Sequence 2, respectively. USPW increased SCH to a significantly greater degree than TW (mean: 26.3 μS ± 12.3 SD; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–51.54; p = 0.041) although it did not affect TEWL. UPSW use significantly improved the subjects' skin condition, as reflected in an overall increase in the assessment scores. Conclusions: UPSW improved SCH and the condition of hand skin. Prolonged USPW use may increase nurses' comfort during work and hand hygiene compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbita moschata, also known as butternut squash, is a common ingredient in numerous seasonal recipes but is an uncommon cause of cutaneous reactions. We present a 28-year-old male who developed dry and flaking skin of his right palm and fingers after coming in contact with butternut squash, which does not typically serve as an allergen that precipitates contact dermatitis. Given the unilateral localization of the dermatitis, timeline of the development of symptoms, and history of contact with butternut squash, the patient likely developed contact dermatitis of the right hand in response to exposure to butternut squash. Contact dermatitis with butternut squash appears to be an uncommon phenomenon, but it may occur more often and not be reported.

Introduction The globe is currently experiencing a new pandemic due to the introduction of the SARS-CoV-2 strain of the human coronavirus. The virus infects people and causes COVID-19, a lung condition that can be fatal in susceptible people and is characterized by fever, pneumonia, and shortness of breath. The prevalence of hand eczema among healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 units has grown, and it has been linked to increased hand sanitation habits. Aim of the study The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of hand eczema as a consequence of more intensive hand hygiene among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: hand eczema; hand dermatitis; atopic dermatitis; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2. Results Healthcare workers developed hand eczema more frequently in COVID-19 outbreak. The risk of hand eczema was raised by frequent use of hand hygiene products, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, wearing gloves, previous atopic dermatitis history and female sex gender. Due to excessive hand hygiene the natural skin barrier function was impaired, leading to hand eczema. The use of preventive skincare products can lower the risk of hand eczema development. Conclusion Findings demonstrated positive correlation between hand eczema prevalence among healthcare professionals and COVID-19 pandemic. Hand washing and the use of disinfectants disrupt the natural skin barrier function, leading to allergic and irritating hand eczema. In order to continue practicing hand hygiene during the continuing pandemic, proper prevention strategies and education should be implemented.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae is caused by sensitisation to sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) and subsequent exposure can occur from direct handling or from airborne transmission. Plants from the Compositae family are ubiquitous globally and their plant extracts are also used in various products. Objectives: Investigation of contact allergy (CA) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae at a single dermatology centre. Methods: A retrospective case review was performed on patients undergoing patch testing to Compositae between January 2011 and December 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Results: Of 3679 patients, 44 (1.2%) patch tested positive to Compositae and 19 (43.2%) reactions were deemed relevant. Thirteen cases (68.4%) were from direct contact with Compositae plants, mostly in gardeners. Six cases (31.6%) were from personal products and all these patients were female. Involvement of the face was significant (p = 0.007). Simultaneous allergic reactions included SQL mix in eight (42.1%), fragrance mix in seven (36.8%), potassium dichromate in three (15.8%) and colophonium in two (10.5%) cases. Conclusion: Contact with Compositae from gardening contributed most cases of ACD; however, personal products accounted almost one‐third of cases. Treatment options remain limited and avoidance is the most important aspect of management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence regarding the association between lifestyle factors and hand eczema is limited.To extensively investigate the association between lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, physical activity, body mass index, diet, and sleep) and the prevalence, incidence, subtype, severity, and prognosis of hand eczema, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted in accordance with the Meta‐analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology consensus statement. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to October 2021. The (modified) Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to judge risk of bias. Quality of the evidence was rated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Eligibility and quality were blindly assessed by two independent investigators; disagreements were resolved by a third investigator. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model, and when insufficient for a meta‐analysis, evidence was narratively summarized. Fifty‐five studies were included. The meta‐analysis (17 studies) found very low quality evidence that smoking is associated with a higher prevalence of hand eczema (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.09‐1.26). No convincing evidence of associations for the other lifestyle factors with hand eczema were found, mostly due to heterogeneity, conflicting results, and/or the limited number of studies per outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a distressing and pervasive dermatologic condition, and effective treatment can be challenging. The novel IL-4/13 inhibitor dupilumab has shown clinical efficacy for atopic dermatitis (AD) and is being studied for CHE. PubMed database was searched for terms dupilumab and chronic hand eczema/dermatitis, including CHE subtypes (dyshidrotic, hyperkeratotic, allergic, contact, atopic, occupational, vesicular). Twenty-two study publications met inclusion and exclusion criteria for evaluation. Two multicenter prospective studies, one randomized controlled trial, two prospective observational studies, one retrospective study, nine case series, and seven case reports were included in the analysis with 374 total patients. Any partial response or complete resolution of CHE occurred in 80.3% of patients treated with dupilumab within 4-16 weeks of treatment. The patient response tended to increase throughout the duration of these studies for a significant percentage of patients, and for many it lasted beyond the study duration. Significant improvement in hand eczema severity scores and quality-of-life scores were noted. Efficacy was reported in over half of the cases of hyperkeratotic hand eczema; however, efficacy was decreased compared with relatively high consistent efficacy in other CHE subtypes such as dyshidrotic, vesicular, atopic, and contact CHE. Patients with current or previous AD had increased improvement scores compared to those without. The most common adverse effects were conjunctivitis (9.9%), herpes viral infection (1.4%), and facial erythema/dermatitis (1.3%). Dupilumab shows therapeutic efficacy in treating CHE. Further randomized controlled studies of dupilumab use in CHE subtypes are needed.

Hand eczema (HE), also referred to as hand dermatitis, is a frequent medical condition that can have an important negative impact on quality of life. Occupational HE is an important cause of medical disability. Multiple inflammatory pathways are upregulated, and barrier genes are downregulated in HE. Atopic dermatitis and wet work are two important risk factors for HE. Clinical presentation can be variable and location of may comprise palmar and dorsal aspects, fingers, fingertips and wrists of one or both hands. Work-up is directed at identifying causative factors and excluding other diagnoses. The first article of this CME series focuses on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis, work-up and patch testing., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Prevention methods are important for patients with hand eczema (HE), especially those with risk factors. Frequent use of moisturizers is encouraged. Few drugs have been approved specifically for HE. Topical corticosteroids remain the mainstay treatment. Several new topical and systemic drugs are currently in development for HE. Dupilumab has recently been shown effective for chronic HE. Established criteria can be used to help determine causality for occupational HE, which is important for worker's compensation. The second article of this CME series discusses prevention, management, treatment and worker's compensation for HE., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is an eczematous local inflammatory skin irritation caused by repeated use of hand sanitizer and other chemical substances. Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) and occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) are the two variants of CD that cannot be identified clinically. Hand dermatitis (HD) is typically assessed as a clinical consequence because it affects the hands most frequently at work as per epidemiological studies on OCD. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 standards were followed when conducting this umbrella review. We used the search terms "Occupational Contact Dermatitis AND COVID-19" to search for the most pertinent papers in full text on the databases PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, and PubMed Central (PMC). Additionally, the reference section of the papers was used to find more articles. A total of 11,646 results were found, and eight papers remained after applying the inclusion criteria (full-text papers, English language, studies published in the previous 10 years, involving humans, and only systematic reviews). After completing the title and abstract screening, we obtained five papers. Next, the full-text screening and AMSTAR quality check were completed, yielding the same five papers. After searching ScienceDirect, five papers that met the inclusion criteria were included, and six papers were selected from the references, yielding a total of 11 papers. The causes of occupational dermatitis from protective face masks are discussed in this review. We anticipate an increase in the incidence of occupational dermatitis linked to face mask use given that a large segment of healthcare workers (HCWs) wear protective face masks. To understand the prevalence and available therapies for mask-related occupational dermatitis, further well-designed research is required., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, AlEdani et al.)

Hand dermatitis, lifestyle factors, obesity, smoking, stress, general population, hand eczema Keywords: general population; hand dermatitis; hand eczema; lifestyle factors; obesity; smoking; stress EN general population hand dermatitis hand eczema lifestyle factors obesity smoking stress 103 106 4 06/14/22 20220701 NES 220701 INTRODUCTION With an increasing focus on preventive and personalized treatment programs in medicine, lifestyle behavior also becomes an important research topic in skin diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Hand eczema (HE) is the most frequently occurring occupational skin disease. However, studies on non-occupational wet exposure, occupations not considered as high-risk, and socioeconomic factors regarding HE are scarce. Objectives: To investigate the association between HE and occupational and nonoccupational wet exposure and work-related factors in the Dutch general population. Methods: Within the Lifelines Cohort Study, participants with HE were identified by a digital, add-on questionnaire that included questions regarding exposure. Data on work-related and socioeconomic factors were collected from baseline. Results: Overall, 57 046 participants (42.0%) were included. Occupational and non-occupational wet exposure were positively associated with HE in the past year (odds ratios (ORs) 1.35, [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-1.49] and 1.34, [95%CI: 1.17-1.53], respectively). Positive associations for high-risk occupations (OR 1.20, [95%CI: 1.06-1.36] for personal care workers in health services and OR 1.25, [95%CI: 1.06-1.48] for nursing and midwifery professionals), occupations not considered as high-risk (OR 1.19, [95%CI: 1.03-1.39] for legal, social and religious associate professionals) and higher levels of education were found (OR 1.17, [95%CI: 1.04-1.32] and OR 1.18, [95%CI: 1.04-1.34] for middle and high level, respectively). Conclusion: Preventive strategies for HE should focus on avoidance of all wet exposure, regardless of origin. In addition, job tasks instead of job title should be taken into account. As previous results on the association between HE and socioeconomic factors differ, future research should focus on a uniform definition of socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbita moschata, also known as butternut squash, is a common ingredient in numerous seasonal recipes but is an uncommon cause of cutaneous reactions. We present a 28-year-old male who developed dry and flaking skin of his right palm and fingers after coming in contact with butternut squash, which does not typically serve as an allergen that precipitates contact dermatitis. Given the unilateral localization of the dermatitis, timeline of the development of symptoms, and history of contact with butternut squash, the patient likely developed contact dermatitis of the right hand in response to exposure to butternut squash. Contact dermatitis with butternut squash appears to be an uncommon phenomenon, but it may occur more often and not be reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare workers have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and dermatitis, likely related to cleaning/disinfecting agents. The aim of this study was to identify work tasks and cleaning/disinfecting agents associated with respiratory symptoms and hand dermatitis among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital. Cleaning agent usage, respiratory symptoms and skin symptoms were recorded by participants using a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. Age and sex adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to examine associations between job tasks, exposures, respiratory, and skin outcomes. Two hundred and thirty healthcare workers who were exposed to cleaning agents were compared with 77 who had no, or minimal, exposure. Exposed workers had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18–4.14) and skin symptoms (adjusted OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.00 − 3.17). Washing instruments manually, using aerosol products, cleaning operating rooms, cleaning sanitary rooms, preparing disinfectants, and filling devices with cleaning products were cleaning tasks associated with various respiratory symptoms. Bleach was the only cleaning agent associated with a respiratory symptom: tightness in the chest (unadjusted OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.01–6.89) but statistical significance did not persist after adjustment for age and sex. Hand dermatitis was associated with actual disinfecting tasks (adjusted OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.10–4.66). Bleach was the only cleaning agent significantly associated with hand dermatitis (adjusted OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.32–5.13). This study provides insight into possible work tasks that need interventions to reduce or prevent respiratory and skin symptoms in healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hand eczema (HE) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life and work‐related activities. However, little is known about the patients' perspectives on quality of care for HE. Objectives: To evaluate the patient perspective of the HE care process in a tertiary referral center. Methods: Qualitative, semi‐structured focus groups were carried out, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive‐deductive thematic approach. Results: Fifteen patients participated in four focus groups. Time and attention, together with being listened to and understood by the health care professional, were the most important aspects of care for HE mentioned by participants. Other aspects of care that were regarded as important were that diagnoses, causes and follow‐up of HE were not always clear to the participant; more psychosocial support was needed, and that participants experienced frequent changes in doctors. Information provided by nurses was valuable, but more individualized advice was needed. Conclusions: To better meet the needs of patients, more explanation should be given about the causes of HE and the final diagnosis. Besides focusing on the treatment, it is also important to focus on its impact on the patient and options for psychosocial and peer support should be discussed. Furthermore, the beneficial role of the specialized nurse as part of integrated care was emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Natural rubber latex (NRL) is processed from Hevea brasiliensis trees. Allergic reactions to certain proteins in the latex manifest as immediate hypersensitivity reactions and allergic reactions to chemicals added to latex during processing manifest as allergic contact dermatitis. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing latex allergies. As little data is available from India, this study was directed toward identifying the prevalence of latex glove-related dermatoses among nurses and the factors leading to it. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among nurses in a private tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 700 nurses were included in the study. Symptoms of latex allergy were present in 74 (10.6%) of study subjects, out of which 69 (9.9%) had features of contact dermatitis. Patch test was done in 50 subjects and was positive in 12 (24%); among them, patch test antigens were positive in 9 (18%) and a positive result to glove piece was seen in 3 subjects. Conclusions: Latex allergy in India is a significant problem; though lesser compared to western countries, its prevalence necessitates the development of pre-employment protocols to avoid workplace morbidity.

Hand dermatitis (HD) is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting inflammatory condition that adversely affects the quality of life of the individual and gravely impacts the mental and socioeconomic well-being by causing professional hindrance and often leading to loss of wages. Despite being one of the most common skin conditions seen by dermatologists, it is often underreported. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, there is an emphasis on hand hygiene—being a widely publicized and important preventive measure to control the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) virus. Emphasis on hand hygiene has led to a surge in HD, and the presence of HD, in turn, leads to compromised hand hygiene practices and this breach in the skin barrier contributes to another portal of entry of infective agents. We undertook a comprehensive English literature search across multiple databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane using keywords and MeSH items to obtain and review several relevant articles. Thus, this review focuses on various clinical, diagnostic as well as therapeutic aspects of this much prevalent and debilitating skin condition which deserves more attention especially during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic where the utmost emphasis is being given to handwashing leading to a vicious cycle of a surge in the cases of HD and compromised skin barrier causing increased susceptibility to the COVID-19 infection.