[How I treat...the dry skin of the hands].

Suffering from dry skin on the hands is a common feature in the general population. This condition is influenced by daily habits and occupational duties. It commonly corresponds to the expression of irritation dermatitis modulated by climatic and other environmental conditions. Other diseases including allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis and dermatomycosis can also be responsible for a similar clinical presentation. In the common discrete irritative type, a specifically designed cosmetic product may considerably improve the discomfort experienced by the patient. By contrast, the efficacy of most barrier creams remains unconfirmed. The chronic use of topical corticosteroids can lead to dependency and to progressive cutaneous atrophy.