If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Rinse skin with plenty of clean running water. Remove contaminated clothing, rings and gloves.
- 2Call 911 for chemicals in the eyes, burns to the face or large areas, blistering, or trouble breathing.
- 3Find the product name or photograph the label, and ask for the safety data sheet.
- 4Tell your supervisor and report it in writing, with the product and task.
- 5Take dated photos of the rash as it changes.
- 6Note what gloves or protective gear you had, and whether they were the right type or torn.
- 7Do not keep wearing gloves that are wet inside or contaminated; change into clean, dry ones or stop the task.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Chemical skin reactions are common in cleaning and janitorial work, healthcare, manufacturing and auto repair, from disinfectants, solvents, degreasers, cutting fluids, cement and other products. Some reactions happen right away; others develop with repeated contact. Your report can describe both. Cleaning crews mixing disinfectants, nurses and aides who wash and glove dozens of times a shift, machinists in contact with cutting fluids, and mechanics handling solvents and brake cleaner all describe rashes that crack, itch, blister or burn.
If the rash gets better on days off and worse at work, note that. It can be an important clue.
Reporting and filing deadlines are set by each state and can differ a lot. Check with your state's workers' compensation agency and your employer soon. For rashes that develop slowly with repeated contact, the timing may depend on when you realized the rash was related to work, so report as soon as you make that connection.
Keep photos, the product name or label, the safety data sheet, your report and all medical records together. If coworkers who use the same product have similar reactions, note that too.
Getting medical care
A licensed clinician can evaluate your skin and decide what care fits. Occupational medicine, urgent care and primary care are common starting points. Bring the product name or label. Photos of the rash at its worst help, since skin can look different by the time of your appointment. Mention the gloves and hand soap or sanitizer you use at work, as well as the chemical itself.
Tell the clinician the rash is from work. Ask your employer or the adjuster whether you need to start with a specific provider, since some states and employers require it. If you are referred to a skin specialist for testing, ask the adjuster how referrals are approved.
If medication is prescribed, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-related prescriptions are handled. Home delivery is often available.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- The rash keeps coming back and you cannot avoid the product at work.
- You have scarring or a lasting skin condition.
- Your claim is denied because the rash is blamed on something at home.
- A product maker or supplier may share responsibility.
- Stress about your skin is affecting your daily life.
- You are told to keep using the product without different protection.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Follow your clinician's instructions and track how the rash changes. Skin reactions often calm down when contact stops and can flare again with the next exposure. Note what happens when you return to work and to the product.
Ask whether you should avoid certain products or need different gloves. Share restrictions with your employer in writing. Some employers can switch to a different product, offer a different glove material, provide barrier gear or move you to tasks without that chemical. Put the request in writing and keep the answer.
Stay in touch with your supervisor and adjuster about changes and missed time. If the rash spreads, blisters, becomes infected or affects your face or eyes, seek care promptly. Let the adjuster know about every flare that requires care or time off.
Questions to ask
- What product was I using, and can I see the safety data sheet?
- Are different gloves or protective gear available?
- Can I switch tasks so I avoid this product?
- Doctor, is this rash related to the chemical I used?
- What should I do if it gets worse?
- How are work-related prescriptions handled, and can they be delivered?
- Attorney, could the product maker be involved?
- Can I try a different glove material or a different cleaning product?
Frequently asked questions
Can a skin rash from chemicals at work be covered by workers' comp?
It may be, depending on your state and the medical evidence. Skin conditions from work exposures are often part of workers' comp. Report it and ask your state's agency.
What should I do first for a chemical rash?
Rinse with plenty of water and remove contaminated clothing. Call 911 for serious burns or eye exposure. Then get checked and report it.
My rash gets better on weekends. Does that matter?
It can be a useful clue that the rash is related to work. Tell your clinician and note it in your report. Keep dated photos.
Can gloves cause a rash?
Some people react to glove materials, and some gloves do not block certain chemicals. Tell your clinician what gloves you use. Ask your employer about alternatives.
What is a safety data sheet?
It is a document that describes a chemical product and its hazards. Employers who use hazardous products generally keep them available. Bring it to your clinician.
Should I keep using the product that caused my rash?
Talk with your clinician and supervisor before continuing. Repeated contact may make it worse. Ask about other tasks or products.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).