Eczema is a chronic dermatological disease and has been known to cause an economic burden all over the world. The objective of this prospective study was to calculate the financial hardships and damages suffered by eczema patients.

The cross-sectional prevalence-based study included 136 patients and their conditions were classified into three severity levels based on the medications that were prescribed to them. Prescription therapy was administered for one month. After a month, the patient-oriented assessment of effectiveness was done. The work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire was used to assess loss of productivity that was stated in the form of percentage. Bootstrapping was also conducted to conclude continuous variables and demography based variances in cost values in the patient groups.

The study results stated that for the month-long treatment, each eczema patient required an average of US$68.1 (range: US$56.2- US$81.5) with the maximum proportion spent on cosmetic treatments. There was a noticeable difference among groups in which patients symptoms revealed in distinct levels. The evaluations showed that eczema resulted in approximately 27.8% and 23.1% impairments in work and daily activities, respectively.

Thus, the study concluded that the aggravation of disease symptoms can escalate the direct costs endured by eczema patients. A decline in productivity is one of the most severe consequences of eczema condition and it requires sufficient attention to reduce burdens to society.

Source: Le PH, Vo TQ. Economic burden and productivity loss related to eczema: A prevalence-based follow-up study in Vietnam. J Pak Med Assoc. 2019;69(Suppl 2)(6):S57‐S63.