An Oral Retinoid Could Come in Handy

Previous studies have shown that alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) helped heal hand eczema (see Arch Dermatol 2004; 140:1453 and Dermatology 1999; 199:308). In a new study, investigators assessed whether administration of oral alitretinoin was more likely than placebo to “clear” or “nearly clear” chronic hand eczema. They enrolled 1032 subjects at 111 outpatient clinics; entry criteria were having had severe chronic hand eczema for at least 6 months despite avoiding irritants and allergens and having been refractory to treatment with topical steroids for at least 8 weeks, including 4 weeks with superpotent topical steroids, such as clobetasol proprionate. Patients were excluded if they had psoriasis, atopic dermatitis treated with prescrip…