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In recent decades, hand eczema has been seen more frequently in oral care practices. Hand eczema is a difficult problem, especially since the start of the current COVID-19-pandemic, and can lead to absence due to illness at work. The main trio in the development of eczema is predisposition (atopy), irritation and allergy. Irritative contact dermatitis is caused by damage to the skin barrier. In dentistry, this is often caused by frequent contact with water, soaps, disinfectants and the use of gloves. The cause of allergic contact dermatitis is related to the use of various materials in oral care practice, such as acrylates, rubber and rubber additives. Essential measures are very important in oral care practice to prevent hand eczema. Various measures are key: adequate skin care with liniments, good skin protection with proper gloves and no-touch techniques. Knowledge of possible allergens and adequate hand hygiene and hand care are crucial to minimize the risk of chronic eczema.

Because of COVID-19 outbreak people wash more often their hands and use more often and longer disposable gloves. The natural skin barrier function is damaged by washing hand or using disinfectants, because of this allergic and irritative hand eczema develops. Allergic hand eczema can be caused by materials which people work with, and by ingredients of creme and soap, but also by wearing gloves. To prevent hand eczema, good protection of the hands is essential. It is very important to have knowledge about different gloves to inform (health) worker about wearing gloves in the proper way.