[Prevention of hand eczema].

Apart from endogenous factors, hand eczema is often caused by irritant or allergic contact dermatitis related to occupational or non-occupational exposure to skin hazards. This enables several complementary approaches on the level of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. A high priority is set on identification and subsequent reduction or elimination of causative exposures. Important preventive approaches include legal regulations, technical and organizational measures as well as correct use of adequate personal protective equipment (e.g. protective gloves). Interventions based on health education are conducted to improve individual protective behaviour. Even though evidence-based proof of effectiveness is limited, preventive measures are considered of particular importance for avoidance of occupational hand eczema and its adverse sequelae. Therefore, a complex, step-wise approach to occupational skin diseases has been established in Germany. In recent years, the positive impact of secondary and tertiary preventive measures of this approach has been demonstrated.