Occupational Allergic Skin Disease: What You Should Know

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and can encounter soaps, cleaners, chemicals, gloves, metals, plants, foods and other materials that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. When a skin problem is caused or made worse by something at work, it is called occupational skin disease or work-related skin disease. This is one of the most common work-related health problems. Finding the cause early and treating it can help prevent long-term skin damage. 

What are the symptoms of occupational skin disease?
Occupational skin disease can look different from person to person. The most common symptoms include persistent or recurrent rashes that can be itchy and scaly. However, some people develop swelling, small blisters or painful cracks that may bleed. Others notice peeling skin or thick, rough patches that do not heal. The hands are affected most often because they come into contact with workplace materials, but the face, arms and other exposed areas can also develop a rash. 

What are the types of occupational skin diseases?
•    Irritant contact dermatitis happens when repeated contact with cleaning products or chemicals damage the skin. This can happen after one strong exposure or after many smaller exposures over time. 

•    Allergic contact dermatitis develops when the body's immune system becomes allergic to a substance after repeated exposure. Once this allergy develops, a very small amount of the substance can cause a rash. Common workplace allergens include chemical disinfectants, fragranced cleaners, rubber chemicals and preservatives. With other products like foods, latex or plant material, some workers may develop contact urticaria/hives.  

How are occupational skin diseases diagnosed?
During your appointment with an allergist / immunologist, you will be asked about your job, the products you use and when your symptoms occur. It is helpful to tell your provider if the rash improves on weekends or vacations and returns when you are back at work. If an allergy is suspected, your provider may recommend patch testing. 

What is involved in patch testing? 
During this test, small amounts of common allergens are placed on your back for two days to see if your skin reacts. Patches are removed after two days and interpreted at set time points, often at five and seven days. Patch testing can help identify the specific substance causing allergic contact dermatitis. If you develop hives shortly after touching something at work, your provider may recommend skin prick testing to look for immediate allergies, such as latex or certain foods. 

What is the treatment for occupational skin diseases?
Avoiding the identified substance is the most important part of treatment. Sometimes this means changing a product, using a different cleaning agent or modifying certain work tasks. In many cases, protective gloves or other personal protective equipment can reduce skin contact with harmful substances. Because different gloves protect against different chemicals, it is important to use the right type of glove for your job and replace gloves when they become worn or damaged. 

Medicines can also help control symptoms while your skin heals. Prescription steroid creams or ointments are commonly used to reduce redness and inflammation. Other prescription creams or, in severe cases, oral medicines may also be recommended. If itching or hives are a problem, antihistamines may help provide relief. 

Most people with occupational skin disease improve once the cause is identified, and steps are taken to reduce exposure. Some workers may continue to need treatment if they cannot completely avoid the trigger. Working together with your allergist/immunologist and employer can help protect your skin while allowing you to continue working safely. 

The AAAAI's Find an Allergist / Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home.
 
Levi Keller, MD; Joshua Bernstein, MD

9/22/2026