What is occupational dermatitis?

Skin is the body’s largest organ and one of its most important lines of defence. In the workplace, however, that defence is tested every day. Repeated contact with substances, frequent handwashing, occlusive gloves and exposure to harsh environments all place strain on the skin’s natural barrier. Over time, this can lead to occupational dermatitis. Occupational dermatitis is a form of eczema that most commonly affects the hands and forearms, but can also impact the face, neck and other exposed areas. The condition develops when the skin’s protective barrier becomes damaged, allowing irritants or allergens to penetrate and trigger inflammation.

There are two main types of occupational dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin is damaged by repeated exposure to substances that strip away natural oils or cause direct chemical injury. And allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when the immune system becomes sensitised to a specific substance, leading to an allergic reaction after contact. Both forms can exist alongside each other, and in many cases, it is difficult to distinguish between them without specialist assessment.

What are the symptoms of occupational dermatitis?

Occupational dermatitis doesn’t look the same in every person, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Early symptoms tend to include dryness, redness and itching of the skin. Workers may notice that their hands feel tight, sore or rough, particularly at the end of a shift. As the condition progresses, the skin may become cracked, scaly or blistered. Painful fissures can develop, increasing the risk of infection, and swelling and weeping lesions may occur, particularly in the allergic form of dermatitis.

One important feature of occupational dermatitis is its relationship to work patterns. Symptoms may improve during weekends or holidays and flare up again on returning to work. Over time, this pattern can disappear as the condition becomes chronic, underscoring the importance of early intervention.

What are the best methods of prevention?

Prevention begins with appreciating that skin health is a core part of occupational health and safety. Risk assessments play a central role in identifying hazardous substances and processes that may compromise skin integrity. Where possible, hazardous substances should be substituted with safer alternatives.

Personal protective equipment can provide an effective barrier when selected and used correctly. Gloves should be appropriate for the substance being handled, fit well and be worn only when necessary. Prolonged glove use can trap moisture and worsen irritation, so regular breaks and cotton liners can be helpful.

Personal hygiene practices are equally important. Hands should be washed with mild, fragrance free cleansers and thoroughly dried. Over washing and the use of harsh soaps should be avoided. Alcohol based hand rubs may be less damaging than repeated washing, provided hands are not visibly soiled.

Regular use of creams supports the skin barrier. Before work, creams can help protect against contaminants, while after work creams restore moisture and aid repair. These products should be readily available and workers should be trained in their correct use.

Health surveillance is the cornerstone of prevention. Routine skin checks and questionnaires can detect early signs of dermatitis before significant damage occurs. Early referral to occupational health providers allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of long-term illness.

What should employees do if symptoms don’t improve or get worse?

Workers should be encouraged to report skin problems as soon as they notice them. Early reporting is not a sign of weakness or poor hygiene, it is a sensible step to protect long-term health. If symptoms persist despite basic measures, employees should seek advice from an occupational health provider or their GP. A proper assessment can help determine whether the condition is work related and identify potential triggers. In some cases, referral to a dermatologist for patch testing may be required. Continuing to work with uncontrolled dermatitis can worsen the condition and prolong recovery, so temporary adjustments to tasks, changes in products or alternative PPE may be necessary to allow healing.

How can employers support workers who have occupational dermatitis?

Employers should ensure that suitable handwashing facilities, mild cleansers and moisturising creams are readily available. Training should be provided so workers understand why skin protection matters and how to use products correctly. Creating a workplace culture where skin health is taken seriously encourages early reporting and cooperation. Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, particularly when new substances or processes are introduced. Occupational health input can help identify high risk roles and implement appropriate surveillance programmes. For workers who develop dermatitis, reasonable adjustments may be required. This could involve modifying tasks, providing alternative PPE or temporarily redeploying the individual.

Final thoughts

For many workers, occupational dermatitis begins as mild irritation. But without appropriate management, symptoms can worsen, become chronic and significantly affect their quality of life. Understanding the difference between irritants and sensitisers, recognising early symptoms and implementing practical prevention measures are the foundations of better skin health. At MOHS Workplace Health, we believe that protecting skin is an integral part of protecting people. By working together, we can reduce occupational dermatitis, helping workforces maintain healthy, comfortable and resilient skin.