# Hand Hygiene-Related Contact Dermatitis - Category: chronic - Review status: reviewed (every claim checked against a document named on this page) - 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 date: 2026-08 ## Verified against - BAD Guidelines for Management of Hand Eczema 2021 - Hydrocortisone 1% cream SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 13103) ## Treatment metadata - Liquid paraffin + White soft paraffin — topical - Hydrocortisone — topical ## Complete treatment card ```text HAND HYGIENE-RELATED CONTACT DERMATITIS 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) Review status: REVIEWED against 2 sources listed above (2026-08) 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 Source StatPearls "Contact Dermatitis" - disease-level clinical article Status traced to the source above 1. LIQUID PARAFFIN + WHITE SOFT PARAFFIN [1st line] Adult Apply liberally to hands after every handwashing, before sleep, and as often as needed (min 4-6 times daily) - long-term baseline care Peds Apply liberally to children's hands after washing Source BAD Guidelines for Management of Hand Eczema 2021 Why Cornerstone emollient repair for hand barrier breakdown secondary to frequent alcohol rubs and soaps Caution Apply emollient immediately after patting hands dry to trap moisture. Use soap substitutes for washing. Avoid hot water and dry skin gently. Egypt no Egyptian brand matched - prescribe by generic name 2. HYDROCORTISONE [add-on - not a substitute] Adult Apply sparingly to active erythematous hand lesions twice daily x 7-14 days Peds Apply sparingly twice daily for up to 7 days in children 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. Caution 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. Egypt NOVACORTIN 1% CREAM 15 GM PHAROPHARMA 4.75 EGP NOVACORTIN 1% OINT. 15 GM PHAROPHARMA 4.75 EGP MICORT 1% CREAM 20 GM MISR 12.50 EGP HYDROCORTISONE 1% OINT. 20 GM MISR 21.00 EGP Prices are indicative (dataset snapshot 2026-06); verify with the pharmacy. ``` --- Dawaa Reference is a reference for prescribers, not a medical device, and does not replace clinical judgement. [Privacy policy](/privacy)