Many people living with eczema face physical and social challenges at work, such as frequently missing work or being less productive because of their skin condition. Eczema is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory skin disorder that causes dry, itchy skin. Without proper treatment, eczema can lead to skin infections with burning, oozing, or open sores that can affect your ability to work.

Not all employers understand what eczema involves. You may need to tell them about your condition if it causes you to miss work. Some employers might think eczema just means dry, flaky skin, but people living with it know how uncomfortable and disruptive it can be. A 2021 study showed that eczema can affect quality of life in many areas, including work life and productivity.

If you’re comfortable discussing your eczema, try talking with your boss about work conditions that may trigger your eczema or make it worse. With a better understanding, they may be more willing to support you, such as offering flexible time off or making changes to your work environment.

How Often Do People With Eczema Miss Work?

If you’ve had to miss work or leave early because of eczema or its complications, you’re not alone. In a survey of about 400 people ages 12 and up with atopic dermatitis (the most common subtype of eczema), adults reported missing an average of 11 workdays a year because of eczema. In total, close to 6 million workdays are lost each year, according to the National Eczema Association.

Many MyEczemaTeam members can relate to missing work because of eczema symptoms. “I had to call out of work today — because of eczema,” one member said.

“I have missed work so many times that my employer told me I can’t take any more time off work because of ‘just having itchy skin.’ It’s such a hard road, and SO HARD because no one gets it,” another member shared.

The Cost of Missed Work

The costs of missing work due to eczema can add up. Depending on your job or where you live, you might not get paid for the days you’re out. You might also spend more money treating flare-ups related to work triggers.

Between direct costs such as medical care and indirect costs like missed work or lower productivity, the economic burden of eczema is estimated at $5.3 billion or higher, according to the National Eczema Association.

Reasons People With Eczema Miss Work

Itching and discomfort aren’t the only eczema-related reasons for missed work. You may have to take time off or leave early because of flare-ups, sleep problems, or medical care.

Unmanageable Flare-Ups

Workplace triggers can make eczema symptoms worse, leading to painful flare-ups with intense itching, burning, or rashes. Common triggers at work include:

• Stress — Worry about work or deadlines can increase inflammation and make eczema worse.
• Temperature — You often can’t control the temperature of your work environment, and both heat and cold can trigger symptoms.
• Cleaning products — Surface cleaners, hand soap, or other products at work may irritate sensitive skin.
• Clothing and fabrics — Required uniforms or certain materials may not be gentle on skin. Natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo are usually more eczema-friendly.

Jobs that involve standing, walking, or physical activity may make eczema symptoms and flare-ups more uncomfortable. “I have eczema on my feet,” a MyEczemaTeam member said. “Working through a bad flare-up now — very painful to walk, but pushing through here at my job.”

You might also find it difficult or inconvenient to apply emollients or other treatments that could calm inflammation and help prevent infections.

Sleep Disturbances

Severe itching can keep you from getting a good night’s rest. Scratching while half asleep can break the skin and lead to infection. If you lose sleep due to eczema or your skin is painful or damaged, you may need to call in sick the next day.

Doctor Appointments and Hospitalizations

Managing eczema may mean missing work because of doctor appointments or follow-up care with your dermatologist (skin doctor). If an infection from eczema isn’t treated in time, it could lead to a hospital stay and even more missed work.

Tips for Talking to Your Boss About Eczema

You might be nervous about bringing up eczema at work, especially if you’re not sure your employer will understand. But if you regularly miss work due to eczema or if you need accommodations, it’s a conversation worth having. Talking with your boss can sometimes lead to more support. “I have a nice boss who understands eczema because he is a sufferer as well,” one MyEczemaTeam member shared.

Other members have had different experiences. “I left my job as a care worker due to my manager not supporting me. I still struggle with eczema, but it has settled down,” a member said.

“I am trying to take some vacation days, but my boss will not let me. I have to tell her what is going on, but she has no idea of the pain,” reported another.

Opening up to your boss or human resources (HR) manager can bring relief and help clear up common myths — like the idea that eczema is contagious, unhygienic, or curable. A better understanding from your boss and co-workers can create a more supportive and positive work environment. Below are some tips for starting the conversation.

Explain Your Physical Challenges at Work

Let your employer know what triggers your symptoms and what physical challenges you face on the job.

For example, “wet work” in some fields — such as healthcare, cosmetology, cleaning, construction, farming, animal handling, and food production — requires repeated handwashing or exposure to harsh soaps or detergents, chemicals, or damp materials. Wet work has been shown to worsen hand eczema. If your eczema flares in this kind of setting, ask whether you can wear gloves (though moisture can build up inside gloves too) or come up with a way to avoid certain soaps or cleaning products.

Hot or cold environments, humidity, or sweating can all trigger eczema symptoms. If that’s a problem for you, ask if there are ways to adjust the office or workplace temperature to better protect your skin.

Try making a plan with your manager to address how you can do your job while managing your eczema.

This might include:

• Adjusting tasks
• Shifting your schedule
• Building in flexibility for flare-ups

Studies have found that eczema symptoms may affect sick leave. One study of people with moderate to severe eczema in nine European countries found that 57 percent had taken at least one eczema-related sick day the previous year, and 88 percent of those with severe eczema felt that their condition affected their daily life.

Describe Your Social Challenges at Work

Some people feel self-conscious when their eczema symptoms are visible at work. You might worry about how customers or co-workers will react, or you may feel anxious about comments or stares. These concerns might influence how you dress or how confident you feel at work. Some people report feeling less professional in their appearance.

If you feel comfortable, try keeping open communication with your boss and co-workers about your needs and ways to manage them.

Bring a Doctor’s Note

One MyEczemaTeam member’s advice: “I would speak with your doctor to see if they can write you a letter for your boss.”

If you need to take sick days to attend appointments or manage severe eczema symptoms, a note from your doctor or dermatologist can help. They can explain your condition, triggers, or treatment needs, which might make it easier to request time off or job accommodations.

Discuss the Safety Data Sheet

In the United States, all workplaces are required to have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — a document that lists any chemicals used at work that may cause allergies, skin irritation, or other risks. Ask your boss or HR department for a copy of the SDS so you can be aware of anything that might make your eczema worse and take steps to stay safe.

Does Eczema Qualify for Disability?

If you often miss work because of eczema symptoms, sleep disturbances, or doctor appointments, you might wonder if you can get disability benefits. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, some skin disorders such as eczema may qualify for disability benefits in serious cases, especially if the symptoms make it hard or impossible to work.

Talk with your doctor about getting a medical evaluation for disability benefits. To support your case, they’ll need to document the frequency and length of your flare-ups and how your symptoms affect your ability to do your job.

Getting approved for disability benefits can take time and detailed documentation, but it may offer important financial support if eczema seriously limits your ability to work. If you think you might qualify, start the process early and keep track of your symptoms and treatments.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

How often do you miss work because of eczema? Does your employer understand how eczema affects you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.