Psychosocial work exposures as risk factors for skin problems in a general working population: cross-sectional and prospective associations.

Objective: The potential contribution of psychosocial work exposures to skin problems is largely overlooked in the occupational health literature. To address this knowledge gap, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between six psychosocial work exposures (i.e., quantitative demands, job control, social support, emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict) and self-reported skin problems.

Methods: Data came from a probability sample of the general working population in Norway surveyed in 2016 (N = 7833) and 2019 (N = 8038). The prospective sample comprised 3430 participants. Data were analysed with ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, and exposure to cleaning products, water, and dry indoor air.

Results: Cross-sectional analyses indicated statistically significant associations with skin problems for emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict in 2016 and 2019, and for social support in 2019. In prospective analyses, emotional demands (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23), role conflict (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29), and interpersonal conflict (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52) significantly predicted subsequent skin problems. Interpersonal conflict (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57) was a significant predictor above and beyond baseline levels of skin problems. Quantitative demands and job control was generally non-significant, except for a significant interaction in the 2019 sample.

Conclusion: Exposure to certain psychosocial work stressors may be a risk factor for experiencing skin problems, particularly if you are exposed to interpersonal conflict. Preventive efforts to reduce the occurrence of skin problems in work settings should also target psychosocial stressors.