Studying the Immune Features of Chronic Hand Eczema Using Advanced Skin Analysis Techniques

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the immune characteristics of chronic hand eczema in adults aged 18 to 65 years. This study aims to reveal new insights into the disease by comparing different types of chronic hand eczema, including endogenous forms like atopic dermatitis and idiopathic subtypes such as pompholyx and hyperkeratotic eczema, as well as exogenous forms such as allergic and irritant eczema. The goal is to identify immune cell groups and molecular markers that could lead to personalized treatments. The study uses advanced techniques called spatial transcriptomics and single-cell spatial proteomics to analyze skin biopsy samples from affected areas. Patients diagnosed with chronic hand eczema will have their disease severity assessed through validated scores and patch tests, followed by skin biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. These biopsies will undergo detailed genetic and protein analysis to map the immune landscape of the eczema. Participants will be involved for an average of two years during which the main measurement will be the spatial proteomics analysis of their skin samples. Throughout the study, severity scores like HECSI, DLQI, and itch scales will be used to evaluate the condition. The research team will monitor the immune profiles to understand disease mechanisms and potential targets for therapy, with no masking or blinding involved.

Immune Signature of Chronic Hand Eczema Unveiled by Spatial Transcriptomics and Single-Cell Proteomics