Hand dermatitis (HD) is a bodily reaction that occurs when the skin becomes inflamed, characterised by red swelling and tiny blisters that form a crust. The clinical aspect varies in accordance with the clinical phases: acute, sub-acute or chronic. Redness, swelling, weeping and blistering are characteristic of the acute phase, when early detection and proper treatment are crucial to prevent it becoming severe or prolonged. Occupational hand eczema is common in "wet work" occupations, especially in the nursing profession, and even more frequent in workplaces where workers have to wash their hands continually. The literature suggests that the prevalence of HD in nurses varies around the world, as is evident from the summary The main preventative recommendations are: adequate hand hygiene and glove wearing, regular application of emollients, use of alcohol rubs where appropriate, educational programmes concern the control of skin infections and appropriate hand washing as a routine part of hand care. Regular monitoring in the occupational medical service is essential for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.