THE STRATUM CORNEUM HYDRATION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF HAND ECZEMA PATIENTS AT THU DUC REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Thị Kim Trang Châu1,2, Thị Mỹ Nhung Lý1, Thế Trung Văn1,
1 Đại học Y Dược Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
2 Bệnh viện Đa khoa Khu vực Thủ Đức

Main Article Content

Abstract

Introduction: Hand eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, commonly associated with occupational exposure, and significantly affects patients’ quality of life. The main pathogenic mechanism involves disruption of the skin barrier and loss of moisture in the stratum corneum. This study aimed to describe the clinical features and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) index in patients with hand eczema at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital from September 2024 to April 2025, involving 63 patients with hand eczema and 64 age- and sex-matched controls. Diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, and disease severity was assessed using the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI). Skin hydration was measured using the MoistureMeterSC device. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The median age of patients was 42 years. A history of allergy, dermatitis, and exposure to detergents was significantly associated with the eczema group (p < 0.001). The median disease onset duration was 1 month, with a median progression time of 33 months. Chronic stage accounted for 66.7% of cases. The fingertips were the most frequently affected sites. SCH values at all measured sites in the eczema group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Hand eczema predominantly presents in the chronic type and is associated with multiple risk factors. The SCH index is a valuable marker for monitoring and evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Article Details

References

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