Risk factors and comorbidities of hand eczema in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Auditorium 8, Oulu University Hospital
Topic of the dissertation
Risk factors and comorbidities of hand eczema in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Doctoral candidate
Licentiate of Medicine Marjut Koskelo
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu
Subject of study
Medicine
Opponent
Docent Johanna Höök-Nikanne, Lohja Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital
Custos
Docent Laura Huilaja , Medical Research Center Oulu
Risk factors and comorbidities of hand eczema in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Hand eczema is associated with psychiatric symptoms
Hand eczema is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, affecting up to one fifth of adults during their lifetime. It occurs most frequently in women and young adults. The clinical presentation varies depending on the stage of the disease, with itching, pain, and burning sensations being common symptoms. Hand eczema often follows a recurrent and chronic course, significantly impairing quality of life and work ability, and imposing substantial costs on society, particularly in occupational settings.
The study investigated risk factors for hand eczema from childhood onwards. Atopic dermatitis, other atopic diseases as well as parental atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis, increased the risk of hand eczema. Additionally, obesity may increase the risk, whereas moderate and high levels of physical activity seem to have a protective effect against hand eczema.
Furthermore, the study showed that hand eczema was associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as heightened susceptibility to infections. Clinicians should be aware of the potential presence of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities in patients with hand eczema, as these might affect their overall health and well-being.
For these purposes, data were collected through questionnaires as part of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) at the age of 46 years. Data from NFBC1966 have been collected since birth and supplemented with parental information.
Hand eczema is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, affecting up to one fifth of adults during their lifetime. It occurs most frequently in women and young adults. The clinical presentation varies depending on the stage of the disease, with itching, pain, and burning sensations being common symptoms. Hand eczema often follows a recurrent and chronic course, significantly impairing quality of life and work ability, and imposing substantial costs on society, particularly in occupational settings.
The study investigated risk factors for hand eczema from childhood onwards. Atopic dermatitis, other atopic diseases as well as parental atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis, increased the risk of hand eczema. Additionally, obesity may increase the risk, whereas moderate and high levels of physical activity seem to have a protective effect against hand eczema.
Furthermore, the study showed that hand eczema was associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as heightened susceptibility to infections. Clinicians should be aware of the potential presence of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities in patients with hand eczema, as these might affect their overall health and well-being.
For these purposes, data were collected through questionnaires as part of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) at the age of 46 years. Data from NFBC1966 have been collected since birth and supplemented with parental information.
Created 5.11.2025 | Updated 7.11.2025