Occupational Aspects of Atopic Eczema with Emphasis on Atopic Hand Eczema

What causes flares of eczema in children?

“…In relation to clothing and worsening of eczema, previous studies by Diepgen et al in adults showed that the weave of fabrics is more important than whether the fabric is cotton or synthetic. 16,17 In this study, nylon and wool clothing were associated with worsening of eczema that was site specific. Diepgen's study differed from this study in that it was an experimental study rather than 'real-life' conditions.…”

Nomenclature and clinical phenotypes of atopic dermatitis

“…Nevertheless, the presence of lesions at the wrist is indicative of an underlying endogenous cause. 105 A 7-year follow-up study in patients with hand dermatitis found that 45% of patients also had concomitant AD lesions on other parts of their body during the follow-up period. 112 Unlike hand dermatitis, foot dermatitis is predominantly caused by allergens in footwear.…”

“…AD of the hand ( Figure 3f ) presents usually as xerotic, scaly, lichenified, and fissured skin, mainly on the dorsal hands. 105 This phenotype predominates in adulthood, although specific manifestations do occur in children (juvenile palmoplantar dermatitis or dermatitis plantaris sicca). 4 , 73 In adults, the lifetime prevalence of hand dermatitis is 15%, 106 and it is twice as common in females as in males.…”

“…However, a history of childhood AD appears to be the main risk factor for development of hand dermatitis. 105 Approximately 29% of people with hand dermatitis have a history of AD. 112 A Norwegian study found that 90% of school children with hand eczema also reported AD, which suggests that hand eczema in children is closely associated with AD.…”