Adverse events from topical corticosteroid use in chronic hand eczema — Findings from the Danish Skin Cohort

Abstract

BackgroundTopical corticosteroids (TCS) are used to treat most patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE), but knowledge about TCS-related adverse events in CHE is limited. ObjectivesTo investigate patient-reported adverse events to TCS in CHE patients. MethodsData on adverse events related to TCS use in CHE patients were analyzed from the Danish Skin Cohort; a prospective survey of a hospital cohort. We assessed patients’ knowledge about TCS use and adverse event risks, and preference of TCS vs. a non-steroidal topical alternative. ResultsOf 724 adults with CHE (64.0% women; mean age 57.5 [standard deviation 12.8] years), 64.1% reported skin atrophy, 41.4% cracks/fissures, 23.9% bleeding, 45.9% pain/stinging sensation, 40.0% reduced hand dexterity, and 40.2% worsening of CHE signs or symptoms from using TCS. We observed CHE-severity-dependent associations (all groups; p<0.0001). Most patients (76.4%) would prefer a non-steroidal option, 10.9% were neutral/indifferent, and 12.7% would prefer TCS for CHE. The median numerical rating scale-score (ranging from 0-10) was 10 (interquartile range 6-10) for preferring a non-steroidal topical treatment. LimitationsDifferences across TCS formulations were unexplored. ConclusionTCS-related cutaneous adverse events were common. There is a desire from patients for novel steroid-free topical alternatives for CHE treatment.