Molekulare Diagnostik des Handekzems

Background: Because hand eczema is a diagnostic challenge even for experienced dermatologists, a correct diagnosis is essential to ensure success of specific therapies. Objectives: Prerequisites for successful molecular diagnostics in general and in hand eczema in particular are discussed. Materials and methods: Basic research and opinion statement on new developments in molecular diagnostics are considered with a special focus on hand eczema. Results: The first molecular classifier to distinguish psoriasis from (hand) eczema signature has been introduced as CE-marked in vitro diagnostics (CE-IVD); many more biomarkers associated with diagnostics, theranostics, or natural course of the disease are currently being investigated. Conclusions: Diagnosis of hand eczema will be supported by molecular diagnostics in the near future; we are at the beginning of the molecular era in dermatology.