Rehabilitation in hand eczema.

The difference between medical and social prognosis in hand eczema is stressed. Rehabilitation may be a fashionable word, but a change of job may result in a lower social standing and the eczema may persist. Job change should never be considered unless extensive patch testing has been performed. The decision also depends on age, nature of allergen, actual trade and occupation, a personal history of atopy and some personal factors. Some guidelines are given.