Egeberg A, Schlapbach C, Haugaard JH, Nymand L, Thein D, Thomsen SF, Thyssen JP. Adverse events from topical corticosteroid use in chronic hand eczema - Findings from the
Danish Skin Cohort.
JAAD Int 2024;
14:77-83. [PMID:
38274394 PMCID:
PMC10808964 DOI:
10.1016/j.jdin.2023.11.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are used to treat most patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE), but knowledge about TCS-related adverse events in CHE is limited.
Objectives
To investigate patient-reported adverse events to TCS in CHE patients.
Methods
Data on adverse events related to TCS use in patients with CHE 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 versus a nonsteroidal topical alternative.
Results
Of 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 < .0001). Most patients (76.4%) would prefer a nonsteroidal option, 10.9% were neutral/indifferent, and 12.7% would prefer TCS for CHE. The median numerical rating scale-score (ranging from 0 to 10) was 10 (interquartile range 6-10) for preferring a nonsteroidal topical treatment.
Limitations
Differences across TCS formulations were unexplored.
Conclusion
TCS-related cutaneous adverse events were common. There is a desire from patients for novel steroid-free topical alternatives for CHE treatment.
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