The combined use of moisturizers and occlusive gloves: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND

Protective gloves are used in the workplace to protect the hands from occupational hazards, but side effects from glove use are frequently reported. Among these side effects, irritant skin reactions are common.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was undertaken to investigate whether applying a moisturizer to compromised skin before wearing an occlusive glove could reduce skin irritation.

METHODS

Healthy volunteers had both hands immersed in a sodium lauryl sulfate solution twice daily for 2 days. After each immersion, one hand had a moisturizer applied and both hands were put in occlusive gloves for 2 hours. Skin barrier function was evaluated by transepidermal water loss, skin hydration was measured by electrical capacitance and inflammation was evaluated by colorimetry.

RESULTS

The moisturizer had a statistically significant positive effect on both the water barrier function and the hydration level of the skin. Although not statistically significant, less inflammation was observed on the moisturizer-treated hand.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that use of a moisturizer under an occlusive glove may diminish irritation from exposure to a detergent followed by glove wearing.