Supporting People with Eczema in the Workplace

Marking Eczema Awareness Week 2025

“Creating workplaces that understand and support skin conditions like eczema isn’t just good practice — it helps people stay well, confident, and productive.”— Haffenden Training Solutions

Understanding Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a long-term inflammatory skin condition characterised by itching, dryness, redness, and sometimes oozing or crusting during flare-ups. It affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on quality of life — particularly when environmental or occupational triggers make symptoms worse.

In England, research shows that around 16.5% of two-year-olds have active eczema, with prevalence falling to approximately 2.8% in adults aged 30–39.Interestingly, there is a smaller increase in prevalence among people aged 80 and over (Silverwood et al., 2020).

Why Awareness Matters at Work

Everyday workplace activities — such as frequent handwashing, wearing protective gloves, or handling cleaning products — can irritate sensitive skin and trigger flare-ups. Occupational skin disease remains a significant issue in the UK:

• An estimated 84,000 workers are living with dermatitis caused or worsened by their job (Occupational Dermatitis UK, 2024).

• Among healthcare workers, the lifetime prevalence of hand eczema is ~33%, with a one-year prevalence of around 27% (Flyvholm et al., 2023).

• Chronic hand eczema affects roughly 14% of the UK population, yet many delay seeking treatment by an average of eight years (Allergy UK & LEO Pharma, 2023).

Without awareness and reasonable adjustments, people with eczema may experience discomfort, worsening symptoms, or even long-term absence.

Practical Steps for Employers and Training Providers

Based on UK research and best practice, here are steps to make workplaces and training environments more eczema-friendly:

1️⃣ Choose Skin-Friendly Products

• Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soaps or cleansers.

• Offer alcohol-free or low-irritant sanitisers where possible.

2️⃣ Provide the Right Gloves — and Options

• Supply nitrile or vinyl gloves instead of latex, and always opt for powder-free versions.

• Allow cotton glove liners to reduce friction and occlusion.

3️⃣ Support Comfort and Hydration

• Maintain moderate humidity and temperature.

• Encourage regular use of emollients before and after work.

4️⃣ Encourage Open Dialogue

• Create a culture where staff feel safe to discuss skin concerns and request adjustments.

• Adjust tasks during severe flare-ups to prevent worsening symptoms.

5️⃣ Inclusive First Aid Training

• Allow participants with eczema to adapt practical exercises (e.g., use alternative gloves or barrier creams).

• Train first aiders to recognise signs of skin infection — redness, swelling, or oozing — and to recommend medical review if needed.

First Aid Implications

Although eczema itself does not usually require first aid, damaged skin is more vulnerable to infection. First aiders should:

• Protect broken skin with non-irritant dressings.

  Avoid adhesives or products that could aggravate symptoms.

• Know when to suggest professional medical advice.

At Haffenden Training Solutions, we ensure that every learner — including those with eczema or other skin conditions — can participate comfortably and safely.

Building an Inclusive Culture

Supporting staff with eczema is part of creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Small, evidence-based changes — like reviewing hand hygiene products, offering alternative gloves, and tailoring training sessions — can make a lasting difference.

Inclusivity in training isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation for safer, healthier, and more confident teams.

References

• Silverwood RJ et al. (2020). Epidemiology of eczema in children and adults in England: A population-based study. Br J Dermatol, 183(5), 871–878. PubMed

• Flyvholm MA et al. (2023). Prevalence and incidence of hand eczema among healthcare workers: A meta-analysis. Contact Dermatitis, 88(4), 245–258. PubMed

• Occupational Dermatitis UK (2024). Workplaces susceptible to occupational dermatitis. Link

• Allergy UK & LEO Pharma (2023). Survey on the burden of chronic hand eczema. Pharmaphorum

• Tiedemann F et al. (2016). Effect of glove occlusion on the skin barrier. Contact Dermatitis, 74(2), 103–109.

• British Association of Dermatologists (2024). Patient Information Leaflet: Atopic Eczema.

💬 Want to make your training sessions accessible for everyone?

Get in touch at info@haffendentrainingsolutions.com or call 07896 802237.

Let’s work together to build workplaces — and training rooms — that support every learner.