Dermatology Times 2025 Year in Review: Chronic Hand Eczema

Throughout 2025, chronic hand eczema (CHE) emerged as a major focus in dermatology, reflecting growing recognition of the condition’s clinical complexity, occupational impact, and long-standing lack of targeted treatment options. Frequently underdiagnosed and challenging to manage, CHE continues to place a substantial burden on patients’ quality of life, daily functioning, and work productivity.

Over the past year, Dermatology Times covered pivotal developments shaping the CHE landscape, including the first FDA-approved topical therapy specifically indicated for moderate to severe disease, alongside new clinical trial data, real-world surveys, and expert perspectives

Spotlight on Delgocitnib

The FDA approval of delgocitinib (Anzupgo; LEO Pharma) was a major advancement in the treatment of CHE this year, marking a turning point for a condition long characterized by limited approved options. Our reporting spanned pivotal trial data, adolescent studies, real-world quality-of-life outcomes, and pharmacokinetic findings demonstrating minimal systemic exposure, offering further perspective on how topical JAK inhibition may reshape long-term CHE management globally.

DELTA TEEN Highlights Potential of Delgocitinib in Adolescents With Chronic Hand Eczema

The phase 3 clinical trial investigating delgocitinib cream for adolescents with moderate to severe CHE met its primary and key secondary endpoints.

DELTA 3 Showcases Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Delgocitinib for Chronic Hand Eczema

Participants from the parent DELTA 1 and 2 studies maintained their disease control and observed a decrease in pain and itch over 52 weeks of treatment.

Review and Meta-Analysis Compares Delgocitinib to Vehicle for Chronic Hand Eczema Treatment

Patients with CHE saw higher treatment success and a favorable safety profile with delgocitinib 20-30 mg/g.

Clinical Trial Validates Delgocitinib’s HRQoL Benefits

Delgocitinib cream significantly enhances health-related quality of life for patients with CHE, addressing both symptoms and psychosocial impacts.

FDA Approves LEO Pharma's Delgocitinib for Adults With Moderate to Severe Chronic Hand Eczema

The approval makes delgocitinib cream the first and only approved therapy in the US for CHE in adults.

LEO Pharma’s Robert Spurr on Delgocitinib Cream’s Approval and the Future of Chronic Hand Eczema

Delgocitinib cream recently became the first FDA-approved treatment for CHE. Robert Spurr of LEO Pharma shares insights into what it means for providers and patients.

UK Clinicians Gain First NICE-Approved CHE JAK Inhibitor

Clinical trials DELTA 1, 2, 3, and DELTA FORCE demonstrated significant improvements in CHE severity and patient-reported outcomes with delgocitinib.

Clinical Insight and Interviews

Our expert interviews and clinical guidance throughout the year emphasized the importance of recognition, classification, and stepwise management in CHE. Together, these perspectives reinforced the need for individualized, evidence-based approaches to managing a condition that significantly impacts patients’ daily function and occupational health.

Melinda Gooderham, MD, MSc, FRCPC: Minimal Systemic Exposure of Delgocitinib Cream in Chronic Hand Eczema

At the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting, Gooderham shared data on the negligible systemic exposure of delgocitinib cream for CHE.

Reviewing the Multifactorial Nature of Chronic Hand Eczema and Delgocitinib

At the 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference, JiaDe “Jeff” Yu, MD, MS, discussed the multifactorial nature of CHE, highlighting its distinction from atopic dermatitis.

Taking a Stepwise Approach to Managing Chronic Hand Eczema

Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, outlines a stepwise approach to treating CHE, from vehicle selection to systemic therapies and future innovations.

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, Discusses CHECK Study Findings on CHE Prevalence in the US

New findings from LEO Pharma reveal CHE affects 1 in 10 adults, highlighting the need for improved recognition and management in dermatology.

New Research & Potential Therapies

Beyond delgocitinib, 2025 coverage underscored the persistent diagnostic and therapeutic gaps facing patients with CHE. Surveys and observational studies revealed inconsistencies in severity assessment, delays in diagnosis, and the substantial quality-of-life burden experienced by patients. At the same time, emerging data on biologics such as dupilumab and tralokinumab highlighted the evolving role of systemic therapies.

New Survey By LEO Pharma and Ipsos Highlights Diagnostic, Treatment Gaps in Chronic Hand Eczema

A new survey reveals widespread misunderstanding and lack of effective treatments in CHE.

Survey Unveils Impact of Chronic Hand Eczema on Patients’ Lives and Treatment Landscape

A survey by LEO Pharma indicates widespread misunderstandings about CHE, revealing significant emotional and occupational challenges for patients.

French Survey Reveals Gaps in CHE Severity Assessment

A national Delphi survey reveals critical insights into CHE management in France, highlighting the need for standardized assessment and guidelines.

A Patient–Physician Lens on the Real Burden of CHE

Explore the emotional and physical challenges of CHE through a patient's journey and expert insights on empathetic care and innovative treatments

Dupilumab Improves DLQI and IGA Scores in Hand and Facial Eczema in Patients With Moderate to Severe AD

Patients reported the face, neck, and inner arms as the most affected body regions before treatment.

Tralokinumab Shows Hand Relief in ADHAND Trial

LEO Pharma reveals promising interim results for tralokinumab in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis on hands, enhancing patient quality of life.