LEO Pharma and the British Skin Foundation (BSF) today launched a new report exploring the impact of Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) on NHS healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the wider healthcare workforce. CHE is a fluctuating inflammatory skin disease, characterized by persistent itch, pain, redness and irritation on the hands and wrists.
The report is based on a mixed-methods study that included 13 in-depth interviews, alongside a survey of 212 NHS HCPs living with CHE, across the UK. The research highlights CHE as a condition closely linked to the realities of clinical practice. It found that routine aspects of patient care, including frequent hand washing (82%), use of alcohol gels/rubs (74%), and glove use (74%) can contribute to or worsen the condition.
Beyond the physical symptoms, the report shows CHE can affect the confidence, wellbeing, job satisfaction and career choices of HCPs. More than 60% of HCPs said CHE affects how confident they feel interacting with patients, while half said the condition has influenced their career choices and 15% have considered leaving the NHS entirely. The qualitative interviews further highlighted the longer-term impact CHE can have on career development, with some HCPs reporting that concerns about symptom flare-ups had influenced decisions around training opportunities, specialist procedures and career progression.
The findings also point to a hidden workforce impact. More than half of respondents said they could see more patients each month if they did not have CHE, with HCPs estimating they could deliver around 75 additional minutes of hands-on patient contact per week without the condition (based on a 40-hour working week, n = 205). At the same time, many continue working through symptoms, with 74% saying they feel obligated to keep working regardless of how severe their CHE feels.
Phil Brady, Chief Operating Officer, British Skin Foundation, said “Healthcare professionals dedicate their careers to caring for others, yet many are managing the impact of Chronic Hand Eczema alone while continuing to deliver patient care. This report provides an important evidence base for action, highlighting practical steps that could make a real difference, from raising awareness of skin health to improving access to support and specialist care. By recognising symptoms earlier and connecting healthcare professionals with the right support, we hope more people can manage their symptoms effectively and continue thriving in the roles they care deeply about.”
The research also highlighted strong support for practical measures that could help HCPs better manage CHE at work. HCPs were particularly positive about readily available emollients (89%), alternative products such as gloves and cleaning solutions (86%), and fast-track dermatology referrals through Occupational Health (84%). The report also calls for greater awareness of skin health, clearer pathways to specialist care and improved access to workplace support.
At LEO Pharma, we are committed to advancing understanding of skin diseases and helping to bring greater visibility to the challenges faced by those affected. The findings demonstrate that Chronic Hand Eczema can influence far more than skin health alone. By capturing the lived experiences of healthcare professionals across the NHS, this report provides valuable new insight into the wider impact of the condition and the opportunities to better recognize and address it."
Matt Ferriday, General Manager, LEO Pharma UK and Ireland
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