Eczema, work and benefits

Is eczema a disability?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition counts as a disability if it has a substantial (more than minor) and long-term (12 months or more) effect on your normal daily activities. The law looks at how you would be without treatment. A long-term skin condition that affects everyday activities, such as using your hands, sleeping or getting dressed, can be covered. The law also treats a severe disfigurement as having a substantial effect, even if it does not affect what you can do.

Dermatitis caused by work

Jobs with lots of wet work, such as hairdressing, cleaning, catering and healthcare, or contact with chemicals, can cause or worsen hand eczema (contact dermatitis). Your employer must assess and reduce the risk, for example with suitable gloves and skin care. Tell your GP and employer. If you were an employee and developed dermatitis from substances at work, you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Reasonable adjustments

• suitable gloves and hand care products
• changes to tasks to reduce wet work
• a cooler workspace, and uniform in soft fabrics
• time off for appointments and treatments such as phototherapy

Benefits

Most people with eczema will not qualify for PIP. Severe eczema may affect activities such as preparing food, washing and dressing, if your hands are cracked and bleeding, or managing treatments, if you need help to apply creams or wet wraps.

For children with severe eczema who need a lot of extra care, read about DLA for children.