Diagnosis Of Hand Eczema Research Articles

Molecular diagnosis of hand eczema

Because hand eczema is adiagnostic challenge even for experienced dermatologists, acorrect diagnosis is essential to ensure success of specific therapies. Prerequisites for successful molecular diagnostics in general and in hand eczema in particular are discussed. Basic research and opinion statement on new developments in molecular diagnostics are considered with aspecial focus on hand eczema. The first molecular classifier to distinguish psoriasis from (hand) eczema signature has been introduced as CE-marked in vitro diagnostics (CE-IVD); many more biomarkers associated with diagnostics, theranostics, or natural course of the disease are currently being investigated. Diagnosis of hand eczema will be supported by molecular diagnostics in the near future; we are at the beginning of the molecular era in dermatology.

Diagnosis and assessment of hand eczema

Hand eczema is a common disease in dermatology with a strong predilection for young and middle-aged women. Its etiology is complex, and common causative factors include irritants, allergens, atopic constitution, and so on. The clinical manifestations of hand eczema are diverse, and itching and pain are the main symptoms. It may be classified according to etiology or morphological characteristics, whereas there is still no unified classification system, and it is often classified based on mixed patterns. A suitable scoring system can be used to effectively assess the severity of and therapeutic effect on hand eczema. Currently, common scoring systems involve the hand eczema severity index, Osnabrueck hand eczema severity index, occupational contact dermatitis disease severity index and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). The diagnosis of hand eczema is mainly based on detailed medical history, clinical manifestations and laboratory test results. Key words: Eczema; Hand; Epidemiology; Diagnosis; Injury severity score

Impact of Patch Testing on Quality of Life in Patients with Hand Eczema: A Follow-up Study

Patch testing has previously been shown to influence the quality of life, although a very few studies have shown if this is dependent on the result of the patch tests. To assess the impact of patch testing on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with hand eczema (HE). A total of 50 patients diagnosed of hand eczema at the time of patch testing, aged 16 years and above participated in this study. Detailed demographic information and diagnosis of hand eczema were collected on the day of the patch test. After six weeks, the patients were asked about the hand eczema, knowledge of their allergies and change in their life style to avoid the relevant allergens demonstrated on the patch test. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure the QOL on both occasions. The patch test positivity was found in 68% of patients to one or more allergens. The sum score of DLQI at baseline was 12.16 ± 5.58 with median 12.0. HE had most impact on symptoms and feelings. Patients with both positive patch test (mean baseline= 11.94± 5.88; mean at six weeks=2.81± 2.01; P <0.001) and negative patch test (mean baseline=12.63± 5.03; mean at 6 weeks=5.4± 3.56; P=0.001) showed significant improvement in DLQI scores, however it was more improved in patients with positive patch test than in patients with negative patch test. Hand eczema had an appreciable impact on the QOL. Patch testing had been beneficial to most patients in improving patient quality of life considerably.