Wow, overwhelming resonse here and a lot of different suggestions. I'm not sure what to do next, but I think I will finish my doctor's prescription for the pills (another two weeks) and if things haven't improved by then, will go and see a dermatologist.
And no, my hands haven't been anywhere but on my own girlfriend during the holiday ;-)
Interesting theory about new substances maybe having been introduced in the last couple of weeks. I will try and find anything new.
Thanks guys ( and girls)!