Petition · past parliament

Recognise those diagnosed with chronic skin conditions as critically ill

Rejected 12 signatures

What the petition asks

In the space of five years; I have twice been diagnosed with chronic eczema that has covered almost 100% of my body.

Given that the skin is the bodys largest organ; I want the government to recognise conditions like mine as critical so sufferers can get the support they need.
When the skin is 60%+ in this condition it is almost impossible to do simple tasks like getting out of bed or taking a shower.

It is almost always impossible to work but when you explain to employers about a skin condition they don't understand the impact it has on you physically or mentally so people suffer in silence or end up losing their jobs.

The jobcentre wouldn't fully recognise a skin condition as something that is critical and neither would health insurance. This needs to change.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

We can only accept petitions about things the Government or Parliament are directly responsible for.

The Government is not responsible for determining whether someone is "critically ill".

Diagnosis and treatment of patients is a matter for the NHS and individual clinicians. The Government is responsible for setting the rules for eligibility for benefits, but decisions about whether a person is eligible for particular benefits is an operational matter for individual decision makers.

We can accept petitions calling for the Government to fund additional support for people suffering from certain conditions. If you wanted to start a petition along these lines you would need to be clear what kind of additional support you want the Government to fund.

Timeline

9 Feb 2023 Petition opened for signatures
14 Feb 2023 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 12
Status Rejected
Rejected 14 Feb 2023

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.