ABSTRACT
Background: Hand Dermatitis affects a significant portion of the population. The disease is severely distressing and has chronic course with negative impact on quality of life. Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile and quality of life in hand eczema patients. Materials and Methods: A total of hundred patients, clinically diagnosed as a case of Hand Eczema of different age and sex groups participated in this study. The patient’s quality of life was assessed by a self administered questionnaire using skindex-16. Results: It was seen that increased severity of the eczema might have become more tolerated with increasing age. Males had significantly more severe hand Eczema. The total skindex QoL mean score was 31.4. Of the three domains included in our study the symptoms domain was the most affected (mean percentage score 2.27), followed by emotional (mean 1.93) and functioning (mean 1.74). Responders reported being bothered most by itching, hurting due to skin condition, and hard to do work. After adjustment for potential confounders, poorer QoL was significantly associated with female gender (mean 31.45), unmarried group (mean 32.33), rural origin (mean 32.07), long duration between 1-5 years (51%). Individuals who elected to change jobs because of their skin condition reported worse QoL. Conclusion: We suggest that quality of life modification and emotional support should be included as a part of treatment for hand eczema. Educational programs are recommended for patients who are more vulnerable to having poorer QoL to prevent further impairment, as well as further studies of QoL in Indian patients for specific diseases using disease-specific instruments.