Hand dermatitis: current treatment options.

Avoidance advice: This forms a very important component of treatment once a diagnosis of contact dermatitis has been made on the basis of a detailed history, examination and patch testing. Possible sources of exposure to the causative allergens should be identified and advice has to be tailored to an individual. The patient should be informed about the identification of the offending agent and the possible sources along with a list of cross reacting substances.