Question about Tacrolimus / Protopic Application

I have recently been diagnosed with some pretty bad dermatitis in the female genital area and was prescribed tacrolimus, after triamcinolone didn’t work.

I just started using it today and am wondering if anyone has advice on the best way to apply it? I used a cotton swab to apply it today, but should I be using my hands to apply it instead? Is it okay to use hands to apply it, assuming I immediately wash them afterwards?

Thank you!