6 tips to keep your hands healthy
Intact skin is the body’s primary defense against bacteria. Therefore, careful attention must be at hand! Hand dermatitis, cracks, cuts and abrasions can all trap bacteria and compromise hand hygiene. Safe and effective practices are key to providing frequent glove users with a way to protect hands. Hand eczema has the potential to lead to decreased work productivity, increased sick leave and increased health care costs. A common barrier to proper hand hygiene and asepsis is actually due to the negative effects of products and frequent handwashing which causes a breakdown of the epithelium.
Here are 6 tips to keep your hands healthy.
- Use hand sanitizer containing emollients over water and soap when hands are NOT Hand sanitizers containing emollients promote cell regrowth and decrease contact dermatitis with frequent use, by softening the skin. There is a false perception that sanitizers dry out the hands, but a burning sensation is generally due to pre-irritated skin.
- Use a water-based lotion frequently to protect against dryness and contact dermatitis. It is important to ensure the lotion is compatible with gloves. There are certain ingredients, such as petroleum that can compromise the integrity of gloves. Being mindful of the ingredients that can cause potential allergens is also key. For example, methylchloroisothiazolinone is a common ingredient used as a preservative in numerous cosmetic and self-hygiene products that is found to be a strong allergen.
- Wear a high-quality glove that has an Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) of 1.5 or higher. Generally, these gloves are surgical grade and have been leached 2x. The result is a cleaner glove where excess bioburden and chemical residue is removed. Examine each glove to make sure there are no irregularities or tears before putting them on. Choosing the right size of gloves will reduce hand fatigue and the risk of tearing.
- If you are subject to allergies, wear non-latex gloves to reduce the potential of allergens as latex is a common allergen resulting dermatitis, itching and swelling.
- Use a colorless, fragrance-free product to further reduce irritants and allergic reactions.
- Gloves must be changed between each patient; the frequency depends on the procedure, the amount of contact with blood, fluids and sharp instruments.
If you have sensitive hands and are looking for a glove that will suit your personal needs, take a look at our selection of nitrile and latex gloves which all comply with the highest quality standards (AQL 1.5). Your hands are our priority, and we are committed to develop the products that will keep you safe during your work and healthy throughout your life.
