The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved Delgocitinib, the first and only topical treatment of its kind for adults with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) when topical corticosteroids have not worked or are not suitable.
Delgocitinib is now the first approved topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the treatment of chronic hand eczema. This represents an important step forward in care, offering a more localised treatment option for people who previously had to rely on systemic medicines for severe symptoms.
Understanding chronic hand eczema
Chronic hand eczema is a fluctuating inflammatory skin condition characterised by persistent itching, pain, redness and irritation on the hands and wrists. The condition is diagnosed when symptoms last more than three months, or recur two or more times within a year.
People can develop CHE due to a combination of factors, including a weakened skin barrier, ongoing inflammation and changes in the skin’s microbiome.
CHE affects approximately one in ten adults. Among those with severe forms, 70% report difficulties performing everyday activities, while 58% say it interferes with their ability to work.
Access to treatment on the NHS
Following NICE’s recommendation, Delgocitinib will now be made available on NHS prescription in England and Wales, with other UK nations expected to follow.
“We use our hands all the time, whether it’s texting, operating machinery, caring for others or simply going about daily life. Yet for many people living with chronic hand eczema, even routine tasks can become painful and life-limiting. NICE’s positive recommendation of Delgocitinib is a brilliant outcome outcome for the eczema community in the UK who struggle so badly with Chronic Hand Eczema.”
Andrew Proctor, Chief Executive, National Eczema Society.
Learn more about eczema treatments and management options on our Eczema Treatments page.