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• Chronic Hand Eczema in France: Expert Insights. • CHE profoundly impacts patients' quality of life and occupational productivity. • Practical algorithm for CHE management in real-world clinical practice is proposed. • Emerging targeted therapies are addressing unmet needs. • Multidisciplinary approach and early diagnosis are essential in CHE outcomes. Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a persistent inflammatory skin condition that significantly affects quality of life, especially in high-risk occupations. Often misdiagnosed as atopic dermatitis, CHE has been historically managed inconsistently. Recent insights into its epidemiology, socio-economic impact, and pathophysiology highlight the need for more targeted approaches. A panel of seven French dermatologists and allergologists independently convened over six months, to review current knowledge and develop a practical treatment algorithm for CHE in France. Their goal was to align recent evidence with real-life clinical experience. The panel reaffirmed CHE’s complex etiology, high occupational prevalence, and psychosocial burden. Updated diagnostic criteria were defined, stressing clinical evaluation, occupational history, and appropriate testing. Subtypes—including irritant, allergic, atopic, and protein contact dermatitis—were addressed, with emphasis on overlapping forms and diagnostic challenges. Treatment strategies were evaluated, distinguishing approved and off-label options available in France. The experts underscored the role of new targeted therapies in moderate-to-severe cases and emphasized prevention through patient education on irritant and allergen avoidance. The resulting algorithm provides a stepwise, pragmatic approach to CHE management, tailored to disease severity, phenotype, and treatment response. This expert opinion promotes earlier recognition, multidisciplinary care, and improved management in everyday dermatological practice.
Halioua et al. (Thu,) studied this question.