If you live with eczema, you already know how frustrating it can be the constant itching, the dry patches, the flare-ups that appear just when you thought your skin had finally calmed down. But what many people don’t realise is that your job could be playing a big role in keeping your eczema active.
From frequent handwashing and exposure to harsh cleaning products to air-conditioned offices and workplace stress, everyday work conditions can quietly irritate your skin. In some professions, eczema isn’t just an occasional nuisance it becomes a chronic occupational challenge.
In this guide, we’ll explore how your work environment might be worsening your eczema, which jobs carry higher risks, and what practical steps you can take to protect your skin including when it’s time to see a specialist.
Understanding Eczema and the Skin Barrier
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition where the skin barrier becomes weakened. This barrier is your skin’s natural shield it locks in moisture and keeps out irritants and allergens.
When it’s compromised, moisture escapes and harmful substances get in. The result? Redness, dryness, itching, and sometimes painful cracking.
Work-related factors often make things worse because they strip away the skin’s protective oils, expose you to irritants, or add psychological stress that fuels inflammation.
So if your eczema seems to flare up more during the work week than at home, your job may be a key trigger.
How Work Environments Affect Eczema
Your workplace environment can influence your eczema in multiple ways both physical and emotional. Here are some common factors that dermatologists see contributing to flare-ups:
1. Frequent Handwashing or Sanitising
Nurses, cleaners, and food service staff often wash their hands dozens of times per day. While this reduces infection risk, it also strips away natural oils and damages the skin barrier. Alcohol-based sanitisers, though convenient, can sting and dry the skin further.
2. Exposure to Chemicals or Irritants
Soaps, detergents, hair dyes, cement, solvents, and latex gloves all contain substances that can trigger contact dermatitis a form of eczema caused by direct irritation or allergy.
3. Constant Use of Gloves
Protective gloves are essential for many jobs, but they trap sweat and moisture against the skin. This warm, damp environment can cause itching, maceration, and allergic reactions, especially to latex or rubber.
4. Dry or Air-Conditioned Environments
Air conditioning, heating systems, and low humidity offices reduce moisture in the air and therefore in your skin. Dry air quickly dehydrates eczema-prone skin, leading to flare-ups.
5. Heat and Sweating
On the flip side, hot work environments like kitchens, factories, or construction sites can cause sweating that irritates eczema. Salt from sweat can sting, and frequent wiping can worsen inflammation.
6. Physical Friction
Uniforms, gloves, or safety gear that rub against the same skin area can cause friction, leading to micro-damage and irritation.
7. Workplace Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind it triggers the release of cortisol and inflammatory mediators that can directly worsen eczema. Deadlines, workload, or interpersonal tension can all make flare-ups more frequent or severe.
Jobs That Commonly Trigger or Worsen Eczema
Certain professions expose you to repeated irritants, allergens, or conditions that damage the skin barrier.
1. Healthcare Workers
Doctors, nurses, and carers wash their hands constantly, use alcohol gels, and wear latex gloves all classic eczema triggers. Studies show that healthcare professionals have a significantly higher risk of hand dermatitis than the general population.
2. Cleaners and Janitorial Staff
Daily exposure to detergents, disinfectants, and bleach makes this one of the highest-risk occupations for eczema. Even “eco-friendly” cleaning products can cause irritation with prolonged contact.
3. Hairdressers and Beauticians
Hair dyes, shampoos, and chemical treatments frequently trigger allergic contact dermatitis on the hands, wrists, and forearms. Hairdressers also deal with wet work all day, keeping their hands in and out of water.
4. Food Industry Workers
Chefs, baristas, and kitchen staff handle detergents, raw food, and gloves for hours. Heat and humidity add to the irritation.
5. Construction and Manufacturing Workers
Cement, solvents, oils, and mechanical friction can all damage the skin barrier. Some materials, like epoxy resin, cause allergic reactions even at low exposure.
6. Office Workers
While less obvious, long hours in air-conditioned spaces and stress-heavy workloads can dry out and inflame sensitive skin.
7. Mechanics and Engineers
Regular exposure to oils, fuels, and lubricants can irritate skin, while gloves trap sweat a double trigger for eczema-prone hands.
Types of Work-Related Eczema
Eczema related to your job often falls under occupational dermatitis, which can be either irritant or allergic.
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This happens when repeated exposure to harsh substances (like soap or chemicals) weakens the skin barrier. Over time, even mild irritants cause inflammation.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This is an immune reaction your body becomes sensitised to a substance, and every exposure triggers redness, itching, and swelling.
A dermatologist can help you distinguish between the two using patch testing, which identifies specific allergens.
How Dermatologists Diagnose Work-Related Eczema
If you suspect your job is affecting your skin, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist who can conduct a detailed evaluation.
At the Eczema Clinic in London, the process typically includes:
- Medical and Occupational History:
Understanding your role, exposure patterns, glove use, and daily routines. - Patch Testing:
Identifies allergic triggers such as nickel, fragrance, latex, or preservatives found in workplace materials. - Skin Examination:
Determines the eczema’s pattern and severity certain areas (like wrists or fingers) often indicate occupational exposure. - Barrier Function Testing or Imaging:
Some clinics use non-invasive tools to measure hydration and barrier strength. - Workplace Correlation:
Comparing symptoms between workdays and weekends helps confirm occupational contribution.
Once a link is established, the dermatologist collaborates with you and, if needed, your occupational health department to minimise exposure while managing symptoms medically.
Practical Prevention Tips for Eczema at Work
Even if your job involves unavoidable triggers, there are ways to reduce flare-ups and protect your skin.
1. Choose Gloves Wisely
- Use cotton liners under rubber or latex gloves to absorb sweat.
- If allergic to latex, switch to nitrile or vinyl gloves.
- Take gloves off every 20–30 minutes to let your skin breathe.
2. Apply Barrier Creams
Before work, use a fragrance-free, protective hand cream or ointment. This adds a thin barrier layer against soaps and chemicals.
Look for ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, and ceramides.
3. Moisturise Frequently
Keep a small emollient or ointment at your workstation. Apply after every handwash and before bed. The thicker the texture, the better it seals moisture.
4. Avoid Hot Water
Hot water removes protective oils faster. Wash hands and exposed skin with lukewarm water and gentle cleansers.
5. Pat, Don’t Rub
When drying hands or arms, pat gently with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously.
6. Switch to Gentle Products
Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soaps, cleansers, and moisturisers. Avoid “antibacterial” products that can over-dry your skin.
7. Control Your Environment
- Use a humidifier in dry offices.
- Keep your workspace ventilated to avoid overheating.
- If you work outdoors, use sunscreen designed for sensitive skin.
8. Manage Stress
Take regular breaks, practise mindfulness, or incorporate short walks stress management is as important as moisturising for eczema control.
9. Dress for Comfort
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid wool or synthetic uniforms that cause friction.
When to Speak with Your Employer or Occupational Health
If your eczema is clearly linked to your job, it’s worth discussing it with your employer or occupational health team.
You’re entitled to reasonable adjustments that make your work safer and more comfortable. This may include:
- Switching to hypoallergenic gloves or cleaning agents.
- Reducing exposure to water or chemicals.
- Adjusting schedules for flare-up management.
- Relocating to less irritant-prone environments.
Occupational health specialists can provide recommendations or documentation to support these changes while maintaining workplace safety.
Medical Treatments for Work-Related Eczema
Dermatologists treat occupational eczema using both topical and systemic approaches, depending on severity.
1. Topical Treatments
- Emollients and Ointments: Used frequently to hydrate and repair the barrier.
- Corticosteroid Creams: Reduce inflammation during flare-ups.
- Calcineurin Inhibitors (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus): Suitable for long-term management, especially for the face and hands.
2. Systemic Treatments
For chronic or severe eczema, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed:
- Immunosuppressants: Such as ciclosporin or methotrexate.
- Biologic Therapies: Like Dupilumab, which targets specific immune pathways causing eczema.
3. Phototherapy (Light Treatment)
Narrowband UVB therapy can reduce inflammation and itching for stubborn cases.
4. Infection Control
If eczema becomes infected (weeping, yellow crusts), dermatologists may prescribe antibiotics or antiseptic soaks.
5. Education and Skin Care Counselling
The most effective treatment combines medication with daily education on skin protection, gentle cleansing, and product selection.
What If You Can’t Avoid Triggers?
Some professions simply involve constant exposure for example, surgeons, chefs, or hairdressers can’t stop washing their hands.
In such cases, dermatologists focus on damage control:
- Using thicker protective creams before and after shifts.
- Alternating gloves or liners to reduce moisture build-up.
- Scheduling rest days for your skin (avoiding harsh cleansers at home).
- Prescribing maintenance therapies to keep inflammation at bay.
Your dermatologist can also document your condition for workplace adjustments or medical certification if required.
The Emotional Impact of Work-Related Eczema
Eczema doesn’t just affect your skin it affects your confidence, sleep, and daily focus. Many people feel self-conscious about visible rashes or hand irritation at work.
Chronic discomfort can make you avoid handshakes, meetings, or even certain tasks. Over time, this stress can worsen inflammation, creating a vicious cycle between anxiety and flare-ups.
If eczema at work is affecting your mental wellbeing, discuss this openly with your dermatologist. Integrating stress management or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) alongside medical treatment can make a major difference in outcomes.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your eczema:
- Worsens despite over-the-counter creams
- Becomes painful, cracked, or infected
- Flares every week due to work exposure
- Affects your sleep or job performance
It’s time to see a specialist.
At the Eczema Clinic in London, dermatologists use patch testing, imaging, and personalised treatment plans to identify the true triggers behind occupational eczema. With expert guidance, you can continue working while protecting your skin effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can my job really cause eczema, or does it just make it worse?
Yes, your job can absolutely play a role in both causing and worsening eczema. Some people develop occupational eczema due to repeated exposure to irritants or allergens at work for instance, soaps, detergents, or certain chemicals. For others, an existing eczema condition becomes aggravated by frequent handwashing, gloves, or environmental factors like air conditioning and stress. Essentially, work-related eczema happens when daily job routines weaken the skin barrier or trigger inflammation through contact or stress.
2. Which professions are most likely to trigger eczema flare-ups?
Jobs that involve “wet work” or contact with irritants tend to trigger eczema most often. Healthcare professionals, cleaners, hairdressers, food industry workers, and construction staff are all high-risk groups. These professions require constant handwashing, use of gloves, and exposure to chemicals, which dry out the skin and lead to flare-ups. Even office workers aren’t exempt constant air-conditioning and stress can also play a part.
3. How can I tell if my eczema is caused by work or something else?
A key sign is that your symptoms worsen during workdays and improve over weekends or holidays. You might also notice eczema appearing in specific areas like your hands, wrists, or forearms regions that are exposed most at work. To confirm whether your job is the cause, a dermatologist can perform patch testing to identify potential allergens and review your occupational history. This helps pinpoint whether your condition is truly work-related or linked to another cause.
4. Do gloves help or worsen eczema at work?
It depends on the type and how you use them. While gloves protect your skin from irritants, wearing them for too long can trap sweat and moisture, which makes eczema worse. If you must wear gloves, cotton liners underneath rubber or latex gloves can help absorb sweat. For latex allergies, switching to nitrile or vinyl gloves is a safer choice. Taking short breaks to let your hands breathe every 20 to 30 minutes also helps reduce irritation.
5. What should I do if my eczema keeps flaring up at work despite precautions?
If you’ve already tried basic prevention steps like moisturising, using barrier creams, and switching gloves and your eczema still flares up, it’s time to see a dermatologist. You might need prescription treatments such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or even biologic therapies if your condition is severe. Your dermatologist can also document your case to help you request workplace adjustments that reduce exposure to triggers.
6. Is stress at work really linked to eczema flare-ups?
Yes, stress has a strong connection with eczema. When you’re under pressure, your body releases cortisol and inflammatory chemicals that can weaken your skin barrier and trigger itching and redness. High-stress jobs or emotional strain at work can therefore lead to more frequent or severe flare-ups. Incorporating stress management techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or even short walks can significantly improve your skin’s condition.
7. Can eczema from work qualify as an occupational disease?
In some cases, yes. Occupational eczema, also known as contact dermatitis, can be recognised as a work-related condition if it’s clearly linked to your job activities or environment. Once confirmed by a dermatologist and documented properly, this may entitle you to workplace adjustments, medical leave, or even compensation, depending on local regulations and your employer’s policy. It’s important to have your dermatologist formally identify and record the occupational link.
8. What kind of skincare routine should I follow if I have eczema and work in a high-risk job?
You should focus on strengthening and protecting your skin barrier throughout the day. Start with a fragrance-free, rich emollient or ointment before work. Reapply moisturiser after every handwash and before bed. Use lukewarm water instead of hot, and always pat your hands dry gently instead of rubbing. At home, choose mild, soap-free cleansers and avoid harsh antibacterial products. The goal is to keep your skin hydrated and protected 24/7.
9. How long does it take for work-related eczema to improve once triggers are reduced?
Improvement varies depending on how long you’ve had eczema and how much exposure you can avoid. For mild cases, symptoms can improve within one to two weeks after eliminating irritants and following a consistent skincare routine. For more severe or chronic eczema, it may take several months of medical treatment and careful management before your skin stabilises. Consistency is key even small lapses in care can cause flare-ups to return.
10. When should I see a dermatologist about my work-related eczema?
You should book an appointment if your eczema isn’t responding to over-the-counter creams, keeps flaring up despite preventive measures, becomes painful or infected, or interferes with your daily work and sleep. A dermatologist can perform patch testing to identify exact triggers, prescribe tailored treatment, and work with your occupational health team to modify your environment. Early intervention can prevent chronic damage and make your work life much more comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Managing Eczema at Work the Right Way
Managing eczema at work can feel like a constant balancing act you want to do your job effectively without letting your skin suffer. The good news is that with the right prevention strategies, skincare routine, and medical support, it’s entirely possible to stay comfortable and in control of your eczema, even in high-risk professions.
If your symptoms are getting worse despite your best efforts, or if you suspect your workplace is triggering flare-ups, it’s important not to ignore the signs. A dermatologist can help identify the exact causes and recommend treatments tailored to your job and lifestyle.
You can also book a consultation at our eczema clinic in London, our dermatology specialists can assess your condition, perform patch testing if necessary, and design a personalised management plan to protect your skin both on and off the job.
References:
1. Hamnerius, N. et al. (2018) ‘Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study’, British Journal of Dermatology, 178(2), pp. 452-461.
2. Carøe, T.K., Ebbehøj, N.E. & Bonde, J.P. (2018) ‘Hand eczema and wet work: dose-response relationship and effect of leaving the profession’, Contact Dermatitis, 78(5), pp. 341-347.
3. Sasseville, D. (2008) ‘Occupational contact dermatitis’, Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, [online].
4. Lund, T. et al. (2020) ‘Risk of work-related hand eczema in relation to wet work and other exposure: A systematic review’, Journal of Occupational Health, [online].
5. Tancredi, V. et al. (2023) ‘New perspectives in the management of chronic hand eczema: Pathophysiology and emerging therapies’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(1), 362.