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Table 4 Perceived controllability: Summary of data from qualitative studies [46,47,48]

From: Illness perceptions of adults with eczematous skin diseases: a systematic mixed studies review

(1) Working conditions

Improving/controlling skin disease through …

… transferring to workplace with less or without exposure to irritants or allergens

… avoidance or change of irritants in the workplace

… being informed about hazard substances

… reduction of working hours

… time off work (sick leave or holiday)

… change of company or profession

… retraining

(2) Skin protection

Improving/controlling skin disease through …

… usage of skin protection measures (e.g., protection gloves, cotton gloves, and emollients)

Certain barriers seem to limit the use of these measures: usage is experienced as problematic (e.g., emollients lead to greasy and slippery hands); misconceptions about the effect of emollients (e.g., assumption that effect gradually diminishes); negative outcome expectancies (e.g., creams provoke eczema)

(3) Diagnostic procedures and treatment

Improving/controlling skin disease through …

… increased usage of diagnostic procedures

Clarification of the cause of the disease by means of test schedules (e.g., patch tests) seems to be important for those affected in order to objectify the causes of the disease and thus gain a higher degree of control over the disease.

… self-medication (e.g., household remedies, alternative therapies)

Self-medication is often performed due to dissatisfaction with the dermatological treatment attempts.