Chronic Hand Eczema Education & Management
A CME Program for Residents and Advanced Practice Providers
Elevating Care in Chronic Hand Eczema
Welcome to the Dermatology Education Collaborative, a CME-accredited initiative designed to advance clinical excellence in the diagnosis and management of chronic hand eczema (CHE). This program was developed to address persistent gaps in dermatology education and to support trainees and advanced practice providers in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to patients affected by this common and often debilitating condition.
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You’ll move through four structured modules that progressively build your understanding and skills in chronic hand eczema care.
Module 1
Epidemiology and Pathogenesis
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Describe the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors associated with CHE
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Understand key immunologic and barrier dysfunction mechanisms underlying disease development
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Differentiate between major subtypes of hand eczema (e.g., irritant, allergic, atopic)
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Recognize common environmental and occupational contributors
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Identify patient populations at increased risk for chronic or severe disease
Module 2
Diagnosis and Severity Assessment
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Perform a comprehensive history and physical examination for suspected CHE
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Differentiate CHE from other dermatologic conditions with similar presentations
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Apply the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) for standardized disease assessment
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Understand indications for and interpretation of patch testing
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Recognize variations in clinical presentation across different skin tones
Module 3
Management I & II
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Implement stepwise, guideline-based treatment strategies for CHE
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Select appropriate topical therapies based on disease severity and subtype
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Identify indications for phototherapy and systemic treatments
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Incorporate emerging and advanced therapeutic options into practice
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Develop individualized treatment plans that consider patient-specific factors
Module 4
Psychosocial, Occupational, and Health Equity Considerations
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Recognize the psychosocial burden and quality-of-life impact of CHE
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Counsel patients on occupational exposures and preventive strategies
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Identify barriers to care and disparities affecting diverse patient populations
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Integrate principles of health equity into clinical decision-making
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Support patient adherence through education and shared decision-making
Our Instructors:
Dr. Sonal Choudhary is a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at UPMC and has completed a fellowship in integrative dermatology. She has extensive experience in reading biopsies and conducting clinical research studies. Dr. Choudhary works closely with residents, medical students, and APPs, and is thoroughly involved in their clinical education and development. She has developed courses for the DCIE program through LearnSkin, which was specifically designed for APPs, primary care practitioners, and other healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their dermatologic knowledge. Her role in the project includes overseeing educational module production, recording the educational modules, leading roundtable discussion sessions, and responding to participant questions. Her expertise is in atopic dermatitis and integrative dermatology.
Sonal Choudhary, MD
Principal Investigator
Dermatologist
Dermatopathologist
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Anusha Kambala, MD
Instructor
Dermatology Resident
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Anusha Kambala, MD is a PGY-2 resident in the Department of Dermatology at UPMC. She earned her BS from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her MD from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Prior to residency, she completed a one-year Itch Fellowship with Dr. Shawn Kwatra at Johns Hopkins, where she gained experience in translational, basic science, and clinical trials research. Her interests include atopic dermatitis, skin of color, and integrative medicine.
