Alitretinoin should be used to treat of severe chronic hand eczema not responding to potent topical corticosteroids, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has announced.

The NICE guidance recommends that the once daily systemic treatment, brand name Toctino, is stopped as soon as the hand is clear or almost clear, or if the eczema is still severe at 12 weeks, or if it is unresolved at 24 weeks.

Treatment should only be prescribed by a dermatologist or physician with experience of both severe chronic hand eczema and systemic retinoids.