Atopic dermatitis (AD) and hand eczema (HE) are common chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin conditions that often concur.

A new study published in The British Journal of Dermatology systematically reviewed published literature for the association between AD and HE in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. This meta-analysis included 26 relevant studies to examine the association between AD and the point-, one-year- and lifetime prevalence of HE, respectively.

The results revealed that AD was associated with an increased prevalence of HE with respect to point-, one-year-, and lifetime prevalence. Additionally, positive associations between AD and occupational HE were identified when assessing the one-year- and lifetime prevalence. Consistently, positive associations were elicited in the general population studies.

Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis disclosed that patients with AD had a strongly increased prevalence of HE. It was suggested for the clinicians to guide patients with AD away from occupations with high risk of HE.