Dawaa Reference

chronic

Hand Hygiene-Related Contact Dermatitis

Treatment options, dosing, cautions and Egyptian brands from the shipped Dawaa Reference card.

Evidence status

Checked against the sources named below

Sources3 sources

BAD Guidelines for Management of Hand Eczema 2021 · WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care 2009 · Hydrocortisone 1% cream SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 13103)

Verified against2 documents
  • BAD Guidelines for Management of Hand Eczema 2021
  • Hydrocortisone 1% cream SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 13103)

Verified date2026-08

Presentation reference

Is it this?

Reference only, to read alongside your own examination.

Symptoms — what the patient reports (2)

  • Irritant reactions often start with burning, stinging, soreness, and pain, while itching is more typical of an allergic reaction [itching]
  • A prior history of skin irritation raises the risk of developing hand dermatitis

Signs — what you find (4)

  • The acute phase shows redness, swelling, oozing, crusting, tenderness, and vesicles or pustules [blisters · crusting · pustules · redness · vesicles]
  • The subacute phase shows crusting, scaling, and darkened skin [crusting · scaling]
  • The hands are the most common site affected by allergic contact dermatitis
  • Irritant reactions peak within minutes to hours after exposure, while allergic reactions appear 24 to 72 hours later and peak around 72 to 96 hours, then recur faster on re-exposure

Tests (3)

  • Patch testing is the gold-standard test for pinpointing the exact allergen causing allergic contact dermatitis
  • Patches are taken off at 48 hours, with final results read another 48 to 72 hours after that
  • A home test using dimethylglyoxime and hydroxide solution turns pink on jewellery containing nickel

If not this — what else fits (3)

  • Irritant contact dermatitis is separately on the differential from allergic contact dermatitis
  • Asteatotic eczema and contact urticaria syndrome are also on the differential
  • Phytophotodermatitis and tinea corporis are on the differential

SourceStatPearls "Contact Dermatitis" - disease-level clinical article

Presentation findings are traced to the source above.

1

LIQUID PARAFFIN + WHITE SOFT PARAFFIN

1st line

Formtopical

Adult dose and duration

Apply liberally to hands after every handwashing, before sleep, and as often as needed (min 4-6 times daily) - long-term baseline care

Paediatric dose

Apply liberally to children's hands after washing

Dose source

BAD Guidelines for Management of Hand Eczema 2021

Why

Cornerstone emollient repair for hand barrier breakdown secondary to frequent alcohol rubs and soaps

Cautions
  • Apply emollient immediately after patting hands dry to trap moisture.
  • Use soap substitutes for washing.
  • Avoid hot water and dry skin gently.
Egyptian brands

No Egyptian brand matched — prescribe by generic name.

2

HYDROCORTISONE

add-on - not a substitute

Formtopical

Adult dose and duration

Apply sparingly to active erythematous hand lesions twice daily x 7-14 days

Paediatric dose

Apply sparingly twice daily for up to 7 days in children

Dose source

Hydrocortisone 1% cream SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 13103)

Why

Mild topical corticosteroid that dampens the inflammatory response of irritated skin, added short-term to emollient and barrier care for actively inflamed lesions rather than used as ongoing treatment.

Cautions
  • For severe hand eczema, switch to moderate steroid under supervision.
  • Limit a course in a child to 7-10 days, and remember the face and scalp absorb far more than limb skin.
  • Hydrocortisone is for short-term use for active inflammation only.
Egyptian brands
Egyptian brandManufacturerIndicative price
NOVACORTIN 1% CREAM 15 GMPHAROPHARMA4.75 EGP
NOVACORTIN 1% OINT. 15 GMPHAROPHARMA4.75 EGP
MICORT 1% CREAM 20 GMMISR12.50 EGP
HYDROCORTISONE 1% OINT. 20 GMMISR21.00 EGP

Prices are indicative (dataset snapshot 2026-06); verify with the pharmacy.