Update on the use of alitretinoin in treating chronic hand eczema.

Abstract

Chronic hand eczema is a debilitating dermatological condition with significant economic, social, and functional impacts. To date, conventional treatments such as topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants have yielded disappointing results, owing to either a lack of efficacy or significant adverse events. Oral alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) is a unique panagonist retinoid with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity that has emerged as a novel treatment for chronic hand eczema. Several large-scale clinical studies have demonstrated oral alitretinoin's high efficacy rate of 28% to 89%, its safe tolerability profile, and its positive impact on quality of life, validating it as a therapeutic option for patients with severe chronic hand eczema refractory to standard treatment.

• Authors: Pedram Ghasri, Noah Scheinfeld
• Journal: Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology (Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol) Vol. 3 Pg. 59-65 (Apr 19 2010) ISSN: 1178-7015 [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 21437060 (Publication Type: Journal Article)