Men and women 18 to 70 years of age
Chronic hand dermatitis rated mild to moderate according to investigator’s global assessment (score, see page 20) that has persisted for longer than 6 months in spite of attempts to identify and remove the cause
Physical examination must be without disease findings unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be irrelevant to the outcome of the study
Danish sites: sexually active females of child‐bearing potential should be surgically sterile (hysterectomy or tubal ligation), or should use a medically accepted contraceptive regimen: systemic contraceptive (oral, implant, vaginal or transdermal, injection) or intrauterine device (IUD) during the trial and at least 15 days after the end of the study
German sites: sexually active females of child‐bearing potential should be surgically sterile (hysterectomy or tubal ligation), or should use a medically accepted contraceptive regimen: systemic contraceptive (oral, implant, injection), diaphragm or cervical cap with intravaginal spermicide, intrauterine device (IUD), condom with intravaginal spermicide
Danish sites: an epicutaneous test was performed within the previous 36 months before the first treatment and was documented in the participant record
German sites: an epicutaneous test was performed within the previous 12 months before the first treatment and was documented in the participant record
Written informed consent obtained
Primary hyperkeratotic forms of dermatitis, hand dermatosis other than eczematous dermatoses, or acute infection
Allergic contact dermatitis if the allergen is identified and patient remained in contact with the allergen
Metal‐workers who are in permanent contact with cutting fluids
Sun‐tanned or hyperpigmentation or tattoos in the test fields
Dark‐skinned persons whose skin colour prevents ready assessment of skin reactions
Treatment within 3 months before study day 1 with systemic medications (i.e. glucocorticoids or immune modulators), treatment within 2 weeks with topical glucocorticosteroids, or treatment with other systemic or locally acting medications that might counter or influence the trial aim within 2 weeks before study day 1 and during the study
UV therapy within 4 weeks before study day 1 and during the study
Medical history of skin cancer in the area of the hands or generalised skin cancer
Known to be drug‐resistant for this indication
Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse
Pregnancy or nursing
Symptoms of a clinically significant illness that may influence the outcome of the study in the 4 weeks before study day 1 and during the study
Participation in another clinical trial involving pharmaceutical products in the 4 weeks before study day 1
Known allergic reactions to components of the study preparations
German sites: known allergic reactions with symptoms such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or urticaria to 2‐acetoxy‐benzoic acid (acetylsalicylic acid) or other non‐steroidal antirheumatics (because of possible cross‐allergic reactions)
If in the opinion of the investigator or physician performing the initial examination, the patient should not participate in the study (e.g. due to probable non‐compliance or inability to understand the study and give adequately informed consent)
