The guidelines aim to provide advice on the management of hand eczema (HE), using an evidence- and consensus-based approach. The guidelines consider a systematic Cochrane review on interventions for HE, which is based on a systematic search of the published literature (including hand-searching). In addition to the evidence- and consensus-based recommendation on the treatment of HE, the guidelines cover mainly consensus-based diagnostic aspects and preventive measures (primary and secondary prevention). Treatment recommendations include non-pharmacological interventions, topical, physical and systemic treatments. Topical corticosteroids are recommended as first line treatment in the management of HE, however continuous long-term treatment beyond six weeks only when necessary and under careful me-dical supervision. Alitretinoin is recommended as a second line treatment (relative to topical corticosteroids) for patients with severe chronic HE. Randomized control trials (RCT) are missing for other used systemic treatments and comparison of systemic drugs in “head-to-head” RCTs are needed.The guidelines development group is a working group of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) and has carefully tried to reconcile opposite views, define current optimal practice and provide specific recommendations, and meetings have been chaired by a professional moderator of the AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wis-senschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften; Association of the Scientific Medi-cal Societies in Germany).No financial support was given by any medical company. The guidelines are expected to be valid until December 2017 at the latest.

Background: There is an emerging perspective that it is not sufficient to just assess skin exposure to physical and chemical stressors in workplaces, but that it is also important to assess the condition, i.e. skin barrier function of the exposed skin at the time of exposure. The workplace environment, representing a non-clinical environment, can be highly variable and difficult to control, thereby presenting unique measurement challenges not typically encountered in clinical settings. Methods: An expert working group convened a workshop as part of the 5th International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals (OEESC) to develop basic guidelines and best practices (based on existing clinical guidelines, published data, and own experiences) for the in vivo measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration in non-clinical settings with specific reference to the workplace as a worst-case scenario.

In an international setting, oxidized linalool has been shown to be a common allergen. Oxidized linalool 6.0% (Lin-OOHs 1%) pet. is a useful, standardized and stable tool for the detection of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. Many patients showing positive patch test reactions to oxidized linalool would not have been informed of their fragrance allergy if this specific test had not been performed.

Funding informationNo support was given by any medical company for development of this document. All meetings were virtual meetings, therefore there were no costs. All participants in the working group filled in a structured form to declare financial or non-financial interests. Disclosures are given in the Supporting information. The Guidelines were approved by the executive committee of the ESCD in

Oxidized R-limonene at 3.0% pet. with a specified content of Lim-OOHs 0.33% is a standardized and useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. Many patients showing positive patch test reactions to oxidized R-limonene would not be informed of their fragrance allergy if this specific test had not been performed.

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common form of contact dermatitis, and yet is often overlooked. Recent progress in understanding the pathogenesis has reignited the interest of clinicians in this area of dermatology. Irritant contact dermatitis is not a homogenous entity, but rather a number of subtypes contributing to different clinical presentations. The diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis is often clinical, and may only be possible after the exclusion of allergic contact dermatitis with patch testing. There is no readily available diagnostic test. There is an incomplete understanding of the factors which lead to the development of cumulative irritant contact dermatitis and persistent postoccupational dermatitis. We have used the experience from our tertiary referral occupational dermatology clinic to illustrate various aspects of irritant contact dermatitis, and to highlight the difficulty sometimes encountered in making this diagnosis. We believe that increased awareness of the often pivotal role of irritant contact dermatitis, as well as all the other factors contributing to occupational dermatitis, will lead to improvement in outcomes for patients.

Multiple sensitizations and multiple factors contributing to OCD in hairdressers are common. More needs to be done to prevent the development of OCD in hairdressers in our geographical region.

Understanding the causes of OSD in HCWs is important in order to develop strategies for prevention. We suggest that skin care advice should be incorporated into hand hygiene education. The use of ABHRs should be encouraged, weak allergens in skin cleansers should be substituted, and accelerator-free gloves should be recommended for HCWs with OSD.