Hand eczema is common and multifactorial

Clinicians agree that hand eczema is multifactorial, although there are many uncertainties regarding causative factors. Atopic dermatitis is assumed to be a major risk factor, whereas the role of allergies is overestimated. Twin studies may shed light on the contribution of other endogenous, possibly genetic factors versus the role of exposure to environmental agents, with the latter being amenable to prevention and intervention.