Efficacy and Safety of a Retinoid in the Treatment of Severe Chronic Hand Eczema

Inclusion Criteria:

• all types of chronic hand eczema, lasting for at least 6 months since initialdiagnosis

• rated as severe by the physician

• unresponsive to highly potent topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients whose disease is adequately controlled by standard non-medicated therapy,including potent topical steroids, skin moisturizers, and avoidance of allergens andirritants

• patients with known allergens and irritants, who have not made a reasonable effort toavoid the substances

• patients with psoriasis lesions

• active fungal, bacterial or viral infections of the hands

• female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding

• female patients of childbearing potential who cannot use or will not commit to use twoeffective methods of contraception