Differentiating hand eczemas produces better outcomes

Hand eczema is one of the most common work-related illnesses or diseases, but diagnosis is complicated.Despite the prevalence of hybrid forms, Frances J. Storrs, M.D., Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, feels strongly that every effort should be made to differentiate the variants for a better diagnosis.She admits the separations between the classifications can be imprecise and the greatest confusion is in the endogenous category, which includes pompholyx and dyshidrosis.

Another poorly understood condition is hyperkeratotic or frictional hand dermatitis.

Also, new treatments for chronic severe vesicular diseases - the hardest hand eczemas to treat - include macrolides, retinoids, and vitamin D analogues.