Hyperkeratotic hand eczema compared to other subgroups of hand eczema – a retrospective study with a follow-up questionnaire

Background: Only a few clinical trials on hand eczema have included further classification into subtypes, and there is a need for studies evaluating the present classifications. Objectives: To examine differences in demographic factors, lifestyle factors and severity between subgroups of hand eczema patients, with a focus on hyperkeratotic hand eczema. Methods: This was a retrospective study including hand eczema patients referred to the outpatient dermatological clinic, Bispebjerg Hospital, between January 2013 and July 2014. The study comprises information on subdiagnoses, treatment and foot eczema from patient files, as well as a follow-up questionnaire. Results: A total of 120 patients were included, 10 of whom were diagnosed with hyperkeratotic hand eczema. A significantly higher proportion of the patients with hyperkeratotic hand eczema were male (p = 0.002) and received systemic or ultraviolet (UV) treatment (p = 0.026). The frequency of tobacco smoking was significantly higher in patients with hyperkeratotic hand eczema (p = 0.016), as well as in the other subgroups combined (p = 0.049), than in the background population. Conclusions: Studies evaluating the subdiagnoses of hand eczema are needed, to further validate the classification system, and to provide more detailed information about demographic factors, severity and possible risk factors for different subgroups of hand eczema.