Systemic treatment options for patients with atopic hand and/or foot dermatitis (H/F AD) are limited despite the high disease burden. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in treating H/F AD using specific instruments to assess disease severity on hands and feet. In a multicenter phase 3 trial, adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe H/F AD were randomized to receive either dupilumab monotherapy or a matched placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a Hand and Foot Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 at week 16, with secondary endpoints assessing symptom intensity, quality of life, and sleep.

A total of 133 patients (106 adults and 27 adolescents) participated, with 67 receiving dupilumab and 66 receiving placebo. At week 16, 40.3% of patients on dupilumab achieved the primary endpoint compared to 16.7% on placebo (P = .003). All other prespecified endpoints were met, demonstrating significant improvements in various aspects of H/F AD. The results support dupilumab as an effective systemic treatment for this challenging condition.

Reference: Simpson EL, Silverberg JI, Worm M, et al. Dupilumab treatment improves signs, symptoms, quality of life, and work productivity in patients with atopic hand and foot dermatitis: Results from a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(6):1190-1199. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.066.