Skin conditions are often invisible to those who don't have them — but for sufferers of severe eczema, psoriasis, or other dermatological conditions, they can be profoundly debilitating and affect every aspect of daily life, including work.
WHEN SKIN CONDITIONS JUSTIFY A SICK NOTE
Mild skin conditions are unlikely to meet the threshold for a fit note. But severe or acute flare-ups of skin conditions may make working impossible, particularly when:
● Open sores or lesions are present (risk of infection, especially in physical or clinical settings)
● Itching and discomfort make concentration impossible
● The condition affects your hands and prevents manual work
● Treatment (phototherapy, strong topical treatments, bandaging) requires temporary absence
● Skin infection (cellulitis, infected eczema) is present
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS WE COVER
● Severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) flare-ups
● Psoriasis flare-ups, including pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis
● Skin infections (cellulitis, impetigo)
● Contact dermatitis — particularly in occupational settings
● Urticaria (severe hives)
● Pemphigus or other autoimmune skin conditions
OCCUPATIONAL SKIN CONDITIONS
If your skin condition is caused or worsened by your working conditions — exposure to chemicals, latex, detergents, or other irritants — your fit note should reflect this. This may also be relevant to a workplace health and safety assessment.
RETURNING TO WORK
If your skin condition is aggravated by specific aspects of your job, a fit note can recommend adjustments to help you return safely — such as a change in role, protective equipment, or different working materials.
Get your skin condition sick note at drsick.co.uk — same day, confidential.
