Relief for sufferers of hand eczema as watchdog poised to approve first drug By Meike Leonard Published: 12:04, 4 August 2024 | Updated: 12:04, 4 August 2024 e-mail View comments The first cream created to treat debilitating hand eczema will be available to thousands of patients in the UK next year, according to experts. The medication, delgocitinib, has been shown in trials to significantly reduce itchiness and redness within days. Applied to the skin twice a day, delgocitinib also has far fewer side effects than treatments currently offered on the NHS .
Hand eczema, which leaves skin on the hands and wrists weeping, cracked and sore is most common in patients, such as hairdressers or cleaners, who work with irritating chemicals. Experts say the drug could be available in the UK as soon as early next year, benefiting more than 10,000 sufferers. Hand eczema, which leaves skin on the hands and wrists weeping, cracked and sore is most common in those who work with irritating chemicals ‘Delgocitinib is marvellous because it appears to be both very effective and safe,’ says Dr Anthony Bewley, consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust who led a recent trial of the drug.
‘Hand eczema is relatively common but can be so disabling both physically, emotionally and economically when it impacts a patient’s work life.’ He adds: ‘Because we use our hands so much as a form of communication, they’re almost always on show. ‘For those who work in jobs that can cause ec.