Symptoms of Chronic Hand Eczema

Symptoms are signs or clues from the body

When it comes to CHE, symptoms might include things like itch, pain, burning and stinging. These symptoms can come and go.

Cartoon style icon of 4 people, 3 out of 4 who are in a deeper shade of blue.

74% of patients reported that hand eczema affects the way they handle objects or touch people.*¹

*This study involved a survey with questions about hand eczema’s demographics and psychosocial impact. It was completed by 1023 patients with hand eczema.¹

Flare-ups and triggers

The symptoms of CHE can change over time, sometimes getting better and then worse again. Times when symptoms are worse are called ‘flares’ or ‘flare-ups’.

This is when eczema gets worse suddenly. It might become more itchy, painful, red/darker and swollen. Managing CHE involves trying to stop flares from happening.
Experiencing flares, especially while already getting treatment for CHE, can be a sign to speak to your doctor.

Photograph of Emma, real patient with Chronic Hand Eczema, showing her hands.

“When I have a flare-up on my hands, I really don’t want anyone to touch me, I don’t want them to come near my hands….”

Emma, a real patient with CHE

70% of people with hand eczema have covered their hands because of shame or physical pain*¹

*This study involved a survey with questions about hand eczema’s demographics and psychosocial impact. It was completed by 1023 patients with hand eczema.¹

Flare-ups can sometimes happen when someone comes into contact with triggers.
Triggers are things that can lead to an eczema flare-up. Finding out what things could make CHE worse and staying away from them as much as possible could be useful.