Compensation for Work-Related Skin Conditions
Living with work-related dermatitis can affect every part of your daily life. From constant pain and irritation to time off work and financial stress, the impact is real. If your employer failed to protect you from harmful substances, Claims 24 Hours is here to help you claim the compensation you deserve with clear advice, expert support, and no upfront costs.
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Dermatitis Claims
Developing dermatitis because of your job can be painful, frustrating, and life-changing. If your work caused or worsened a skin condition due to poor safety measures, lack of protection, or ongoing exposure to harmful substances, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
At Claims 24 Hours, we help workers who have developed occupational dermatitis through no fault of their own. We understand how disruptive this condition can be, especially when it affects your hands and prevents you from working normally or enjoying daily life.
If your employer failed to protect you properly, you should not have to suffer the consequences alone.
Occupational Dermatitis Claims Explained
When you go to work, you have the right to expect a safe environment. Employers are legally required to assess risks, provide training, and supply suitable protective equipment. Occupational dermatitis often develops when these responsibilities are ignored.
Dermatitis is not a minor condition. It can cause ongoing pain, cracking, swelling, itching, and infections. For many people, symptoms worsen over time, leading to repeated flare-ups and long-term discomfort. In severe cases, workers are forced to change roles or stop working entirely, creating financial pressure on top of physical suffering.
If your employer’s negligence caused your condition, an occupational dermatitis claim can help you recover compensation for both your injuries and the wider impact on your life.
What Is Occupational Dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis is a work-related skin condition caused by repeated exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace. It most commonly affects the hands but can also appear on arms, face, or other exposed areas.
The condition develops when the skin’s natural barrier becomes damaged, allowing harmful substances to penetrate. This damage may occur gradually, making it easy to overlook until symptoms become severe.
Occupational dermatitis usually falls into two main categories.
Contact Dermatitis
This is the most common form and occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with irritants such as cleaning chemicals, solvents, oils, cement, or metal salts. Symptoms often include redness, dryness, cracking, and soreness. These may improve away from work but return once exposure continues.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This type develops when repeated exposure causes the immune system to react to a substance, such as nickel, rubber, latex, or certain chemicals. Once sensitised, even small amounts can trigger severe reactions including blisters, swelling, and open sores. Symptoms can worsen over time and may require medical treatment.
Symptoms of Occupational Dermatitis
Symptoms do not always appear immediately and often build up gradually. Many workers initially dismiss early signs, only to find the condition becomes chronic.
Common symptoms include persistent itching, redness, swelling, cracked or bleeding skin, blistering, scaly patches, and pain. Symptoms often worsen during working hours and may flare up when sweating or washing hands frequently.
In long-term cases, skin discolouration, infections, and scarring may occur. The emotional impact should not be underestimated, as visible skin damage can affect confidence, sleep, and mental wellbeing.
Who Is Most at Risk of Workplace Dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis can affect workers across many industries, particularly where regular contact with irritants is unavoidable.
Higher-risk roles include cleaners, hairdressers, construction workers, factory and manufacturing staff, healthcare workers, food handlers, mechanics, and those working with chemicals, metals, or solvents. Repeated glove use, frequent handwashing, heat exposure, and friction all increase the risk.
Even office-based workers may develop dermatitis if exposed to cleaning products, printer chemicals, or poor hygiene practices.
Common Causes of Work-Related Dermatitis
There is rarely one single cause. Occupational dermatitis usually develops due to repeated or prolonged exposure combined with inadequate protection.
Causes often include contact with chemicals, acids, alkalis, solvents, oils, detergents, dust, and biological agents. Physical factors such as heat, cold, friction, and vibration can also contribute by weakening the skin barrier.
In many cases, dermatitis occurs because employers fail to rotate tasks, limit exposure, provide suitable gloves, or train staff properly on safe handling procedures.
Your Employer’s Duty of Care
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from occupational illnesses, including dermatitis. This duty is reinforced by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
They must assess risks, reduce exposure where possible, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, and carry out health surveillance when required. Employers should also ensure workers are trained to recognise early symptoms and report concerns.
If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect your skin, they may be legally responsible for your condition.
Why Claim Occupational Dermatitis Compensation?
You should not be left in pain or financial difficulty because your employer failed to protect you. A successful dermatitis claim can help you recover compensation for the full impact of the condition.
Compensation can support medical treatment, replace lost income, and recognise the pain and disruption caused. Claims can also encourage better workplace safety, helping to protect others from similar harm.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
There is no fixed amount for dermatitis compensation. Each claim is assessed individually based on how severe the condition is and how it affects your daily life.
Compensation is usually divided into general damages for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life, and special damages for financial losses. These may include lost earnings, future income impact, medical treatment costs, travel expenses, and ongoing care needs.
Medical evidence plays a key role, and assessments are arranged to ensure your claim reflects the true extent of your condition.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours?
Dermatitis claims can be complex, especially when symptoms develop over time. At Claims 24 Hours, we focus on clarity, care, and results.
We take the time to understand your work history, your exposure, and how the condition affects your life. You receive clear guidance, regular updates, and professional support from start to finish. We handle the legal process so you can focus on your health and recovery.
You are never rushed or left uncertain. Our goal is to secure fair compensation while giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout your claim.
Start Your Dermatitis Claim Today
If you believe your work caused or worsened your dermatitis, you may be entitled to compensation. Speaking to us is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation.
Call Claims 24 Hours on +44 20 7043 3779 to speak with our team and find out how we can help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I claim compensation for occupational dermatitis?
Yes. If your dermatitis was caused or made worse by your work and your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect you, you may be entitled to compensation. This includes lack of protective equipment, poor risk assessments, or prolonged exposure to irritants.
2. How long do I have to make a dermatitis claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date you were diagnosed or from when you first became aware that your condition was work-related. If you are unsure, it is best to seek advice as early as possible.
3. What if my symptoms developed gradually over time?
Dermatitis often develops slowly due to repeated exposure. You can still make a claim even if symptoms appeared months or years after starting the job, as long as the condition can be linked to your work.
4. Do I need medical evidence to make a claim?
Yes. Medical records are important in confirming your diagnosis and showing how severe the condition is. As part of your claim, a medical assessment can be arranged to support your case.
5. Can I be treated unfairly at work for making a claim?
No. The law protects employees from being dismissed or treated unfairly for making a legitimate personal injury claim. Compensation is usually paid through your employer’s insurance, not directly by them.
6. How much does it cost to start a claim?
Nothing upfront. Claims 24 Hours handles dermatitis claims on a no win no fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.