Recent advances in the management of hand dermatitis: does alitretinoin work?

Hand dermatitis can cause significant morbidity. It is not only pruritic, painful, and adversely affects manual dexterity, but it is also very visible, resulting in a substantial psychosocial and physical impact. The prevalence of hand dermatitis in the general population is 5% to 10%, and it appears to be twice as common in women than in men. Certain occupations predispose workers to hand dermatitis, especially those that require frequent hand washing or exposure to particular substances such as solvents. Hand dermatitis has a significant economic effect on society, and the socioeconomic and psychologic effect for the individual can be catastrophic. The need for effective management of this condition is, therefore, quite clear; however, historically hand dermatitis is difficult to treat. This contribution reviews the various types of hand dermatitis and how best to manage them and examines the role which the recently introduced drug alitretinoin now plays in managing this clinically challenging condition.