[Survey on Skin Problems Among New Employees Caused by Suits and Uniforms] 64.0% of new hires reported worsening of frictional or contact dermatitis on the neck, back, and chest after starting to wear them; 78.3% of those who left it untreated experienced further aggravation or chronic symptoms.

[Conclusion] Key Points of This Survey

In conclusion, the primary causes of skin irritation from suits and uniforms are "friction with clothing" and "contact allergies to materials." If skin irritation around the neck or collar persists for more than two weeks, or if redness and itching are severe, we recommend visiting a dermatologist early to prevent the condition from worsening or becoming chronic. This survey revealed the importance of early action, as 78.3% of those who left their symptoms untreated experienced worsening or chronicity.

・64.0% of new employees experienced worsening skin issues on their neck, back, or chest after they started wearing suits or uniforms.

・78.3% of those who left skin issues untreated experienced "worsening or chronicity."

・86.7% of those who visited a dermatologist responded that they "should have sought medical attention sooner."

Glossary

■ What is Contact Dermatitis (Rash)?

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by substances that come into contact with the skin. There are two types: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis, often caused by clothing dyes, metals, or rubber components. Symptoms include redness, itching, blisters, and skin irritation.

■ What is Friction Dermatitis?

Friction dermatitis is a type of dermatitis caused by repeated rubbing of clothing or accessories against the skin. Physical irritation weakens the skin's barrier function, leading to redness, stinging sensations, and pigmentation. It frequently occurs in areas where clothing fits tightly, such as the neck, armpits, and waist.

■ What is Skin Barrier Function?

Skin barrier function refers to the role of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) in preventing the entry of external irritants and foreign substances, as well as preventing the evaporation of moisture from the body. When this barrier function is compromised, inflammation occurs more easily even with slight irritation, making the skin prone to developing or worsening issues.

Comparison of Contact Dermatitis and Friction Dermatitis

*This is a general guide and individual results may vary. If symptoms persist, please consult a dermatologist.

IC Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), operated by Medical Corporation Tekketsu-kai, conducted a survey on skin problems caused by wearing suits and uniforms ahead of the April 2026 season for new employees. This survey targeted 300 men and women in their 1st to 3rd year of employment to investigate the occurrence of skin problems, coping methods, and medical consultation status since they started wearing suits or uniforms.

Survey Background

Every April, many new employees begin wearing suits or uniforms. However, switching to clothing different from what they wore as students often leads to an increase in skin problems on the neck, back, and chest. In particular, contact with unfamiliar materials and friction from tight collars or dress shirts can cause contact dermatitis or frictional dermatitis. Despite this, many cases are left untreated and worsen or become chronic because people are "busy with work" or "don't know if they should go to the hospital for this." Therefore, our clinic conducted this survey to clarify the reality of skin problems and consultation behavior among new employees, and to raise awareness about appropriate actions and the timing for seeking medical attention.

Survey Overview

Target: Men and women in their 20s and 30s nationwide in their 1st to 3rd year of employment who wear suits or uniforms after joining their company.

Period: March 9 to March 18, 2026

Method: Internet survey

Number of respondents: 300

Survey Results

[Result] 64.0% experienced worsening skin problems after starting to wear them

Question: Since you started wearing a suit or uniform, have skin problems (redness, itching, eczema, etc.) occurred or worsened on your neck, back, chest, etc.?

It was revealed that more than 60% of new employees who started wearing suits or uniforms experienced worsening skin problems on their neck, back, chest, etc. This highlights the significant impact that clothing materials and friction have on the skin.

[Result] The most common area is the "neck and collar" at 72.9%

Question: In which areas did skin problems occur? (Multiple answers allowed; only for those who answered they had skin problems)

Skin problems are most likely to occur around the neck and collar, likely due to friction with shirt collars and ties. The back and chest also showed high percentages, indicating that problems are prone to occur in all areas where clothing is in close contact with the skin.

[Result] 46.4% answered "did nothing in particular and waited to see"

Question: How did you handle it when skin problems occurred?

The majority of people left their skin problems untreated. Behind this trend, it is speculated that there are voices saying, "I'm too busy to go to the hospital" or "I don't know if it's serious enough to see a doctor." Delaying appropriate action carries the risk of prolonging symptoms.

[Survey Results] 78.3% of those who left symptoms untreated experienced "worsening or chronicity"

Question: What happened to your symptoms as a result of leaving the skin trouble untreated? (Only for those who answered "waited and watched")

Approximately 80% of those who left their symptoms untreated experienced worsening or chronicity. Only about 20% healed naturally, highlighting the importance of early intervention. When a condition becomes chronic, the treatment period also tends to be longer.

[Survey Results] 86.7% of patients felt they "should have seen a doctor sooner"

Question: For those who visited a dermatologist, how did you feel about the timing of your visit?

About 90% of people who actually visited a dermatologist looked back and felt they "should have seen a doctor sooner." This suggests that seeking medical attention while symptoms are still mild can lead to improvement in a short period and prevent worsening or chronicity.

Survey Summary

This survey revealed that 64.0% of new employees who started wearing suits or uniforms experienced worsening skin problems on their necks, backs, and chests. The most common area was the "neck and collar area" (72.9%), with friction from shirts and ties considered a major factor. On the other hand, 46.4% responded that they "did nothing and just watched" even when skin problems occurred, and 78.3% of them experienced worsening or chronicity. Among those who visited a dermatologist, 86.7% felt they "should have seen a doctor sooner," demonstrating the importance of not underestimating skin problems and taking early action.

Doctor's Comment | Dr. Kota Takakuwa, IC Clinic

"Based on my clinical experience of over 15 years as a dermatologist, the most important thing for skin problems caused by suits and uniforms is 'not to leave them untreated and to take action early.' If redness or itching lasts for more than two weeks, I recommend visiting a dermatologist."

The neck and back skin problems experienced by new employees are mainly classified into two types: "contact dermatitis" and "frictional dermatitis." Contact dermatitis occurs due to allergic or irritant reactions to clothing dyes, finishing agents, or metals (such as cufflinks). On the other hand, frictional dermatitis is caused by repeated rubbing of the skin by shirt collars, ties, or bra straps.

The data from this survey showing that 78.3% of those who left symptoms untreated experienced worsening or chronicity contains very important implications. Leaving dermatitis untreated increases the risk of bacterial infection due to scratching and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Furthermore, if it becomes chronic, the skin thickens (lichenification), and treatment takes longer.

Effective preventive measures you can take in daily life include wearing an undershirt to reduce direct contact with the skin, choosing cotton materials for undershirts, and applying moisturizer to areas where the collar touches to reduce friction. It is also important to take off your suit and let your skin rest as soon as you get home.

Many people wonder, "Is it okay to go to the hospital for something like this?" However, if you visit while symptoms are mild, most cases improve with a short period of topical medication. Once symptoms become severe, both the treatment period and costs increase, so please do not hesitate to consult us early.

[Evidence]

The Japanese Dermatological Association's guidelines for the management of contact dermatitis state that identifying and avoiding the causative substance is the basis of treatment. Additionally, the use of moisturizers is recommended to maintain and restore the skin's barrier function, and if inflammation is strong, treatment with topical steroids is the first choice.

Self-care to prevent skin problems from suits and uniforms

・Wear 100% cotton undershirts to reduce direct skin contact.

・Apply moisturizer to the collar and other areas prone to friction to improve glide.

・Change clothes early after returning home to let the skin rest.

・Use fabric softener sparingly when washing and rinse thoroughly.

Guidelines for visiting a dermatologist

・If redness or itching lasts for more than two weeks.

・If there is no improvement after using over-the-counter (OTC) medication for one week.

・If blisters or oozing (exudate) occur.

・If symptoms are spreading, or itching is so severe you cannot sleep.

・If it is interfering with work or daily life.

Dermatological treatment details

・Prescription of topical steroids according to symptoms.

・Patch testing to identify causes (if necessary).

・Skincare guidance using moisturizers.

・Advice on lifestyle habits and clothing selection.

Dr. Kota Takakuwa

With over 15 years of clinical experience in the field of skin tumors and dermatological surgery and a track record of over 30,000 surgeries, he is responsible for supervision based on medical evidence.

Specialties: Skin tumors, dermatological surgery, dermatology, plastic surgery

・Certified MiraDry physician

Clinical Achievements (Cumulative as of 2024)

・Skin tumor and dermatological surgeries: Over 30,000 cases

・Bromhidrosis (body odor) treatment: Over 2,000 cases

・Rosacea and facial redness treatment: Over 1,000 cases

Brief Biography

・2009: Graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Medicine

・2009: Initial residency at Tokyo Teishin Hospital

・2012: Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Police Hospital

・2012: Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital

・2019: Director of Treatment, IC Clinic

Supervision Areas: Medical information regarding skin tumors (moles, epidermal cysts, lipomas, etc.), dermatological surgery, skin cancer, and general medical columns.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. What causes skin irritation when wearing a suit?

A. The two main causes are "contact reactions to clothing materials" and "physical irritation due to friction."

There is contact dermatitis caused by suit materials (such as polyester and wool), dyes, or finishing agents, and frictional dermatitis caused by repeated rubbing from collars or belts. In our survey, the "neck and collar area" was the most common site for skin trouble, accounting for 72.9% of cases. The stiffness of shirt collars and the tightening of neckties are frequent culprits.

Q2. What is the difference between contact dermatitis and frictional dermatitis?

A. The difference lies in the cause: contact dermatitis is a reaction to chemical substances, while frictional dermatitis is caused by physical rubbing.

Contact dermatitis occurs as an allergic or irritant reaction to clothing dyes, metals, or rubber components, characterized by redness, itching, and blisters. Frictional dermatitis develops from repeated rubbing of clothing against the skin, often accompanied by a stinging sensation or pigmentation. Both can occur simultaneously, and patch testing is effective for identifying the cause.

Q3. How do I treat neck irritation caused by uniforms or suits?

A. Mild cases can be improved with moisturizing care and friction reduction, but if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, we recommend seeing a dermatologist.

The basic approach is to wear an undershirt to reduce friction and use moisturizers to supplement the skin's barrier function. If using over-the-counter anti-itch medications, monitor the situation for about a week. In our survey, 78.3% of people who left the condition untreated experienced worsening or chronicity; seeking medical attention early can lead to improvement in a short period.

Q4. When is the right time to see a dermatologist for a rash?

A. Please seek medical attention early if redness or itching lasts for more than two weeks, or if there are blisters or oozing.

In our survey, 86.7% of people who visited a dermatologist responded that they "should have visited sooner." If treated while symptoms are mild, most cases improve quickly with topical steroid medications. Many people hesitate, wondering if their condition is "serious enough" for a hospital visit, but we encourage you to consult us freely to prevent worsening or chronicity.

Q5. How can I prevent skin irritation from suits and uniforms?

A. Wearing cotton undershirts, moisturizing care, and changing clothes immediately after returning home are the basic preventive measures.

Specifically, it is effective to wear 100% cotton undershirts to reduce direct skin contact, apply moisturizer to the neck area to reduce friction, change clothes early after returning home to let the skin rest, and use fabric softener sparingly while ensuring thorough rinsing during laundry. Washing a new suit once before wearing it can also help reduce residual chemical substances.

Risks of Leaving It Untreated

・Bacterial infection due to scratching (impetigo, folliculitis, etc.)

・Persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots)

・Lichenification due to chronicity (skin becoming thick and hard)

・Increase in treatment duration and medical costs

Consult Us If the Following Apply | Guidelines for Visiting

・Redness or itching lasts for more than 2 weeks

・No improvement after using over-the-counter medicine for 1 week

・Blisters or oozing (exudate) are present

・Symptoms are spreading, or itching is so severe you cannot sleep

・It is interfering with work or daily life

Clinic Information

Features of IC Clinic

・Specialized dermatology clinic providing treatment for contact and frictional dermatitis

・6 locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya, open on weekends and holidays

・Identification of causative substances via patch testing (as needed)

・Nighttime consultations available for easy access after work (varies by clinic)

IC Clinic Shinjuku: 2F Imas葵 Bldg, 2-5-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Shibuya: 5F New Sansui Bldg, 3-16-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Ueno: 1F Cinq You Bldg, 3-16-5 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Ikebukuro: 9F Maeda Bldg, 2-15-3 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Tokyo: 3F Nihonbashi Front, 3-6-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Omiya: 2F Section B, Fukumi Medical, 1-60 Daimon-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

We accept appointment requests via the link below. Please feel free to use it.

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