Optimizing skin protection with semipermeable gloves.
BACKGROUND
Occlusion due to gloves is one important cause of glove irritation. Macerated softened skin gives poor protection against microbes and chemical injuries. The introduction of a breathable protective glove material would represent a significant step toward improved prevention of occupational skin disease.


OBJECTIVE
Performance levels of semipermeable and occlusive gloves were examined under conditions typical of the hairdressing profession. In two studies, tests comparing breathable semipermeable gloves to single-use gloves made of occlusive materials were conducted.


METHODS
In an initial study, a user survey was carried out in conjunction with bioengineering examinations. Values at baseline and values after gloves were worn were recorded by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin humidity (SH), and skin surface hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in 20 healthy volunteers. In a second study, the gloves were tested for penetrability and permeability with three chemical compounds typically used in the hairdressing profession.


RESULTS
Bioengineering examination objectively confirmed users' reports of reduced hand perspiration when semipermeable gloves were worn. The TEWL, SH, and skin surface pH values remained largely stable after 20 minutes of wearing semipermeable gloves, in contrast to the reactions observed with gloves of occlusive materials. Permeability tests indicated that the semipermeable material is effective, with some restrictions. Air leakage testing revealed that all 50 gloves tested were not airtight.


CONCLUSIONS
Following the optimization of manufacturing methods, additional tests of the penetrability of semipermeable gloves will be necessary.
Wulfhorst
Britta
B
Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany. bwulf@uos.de
Schwanitz
Hans Joachim
HJ
Bock
Meike
M
D000328:Adult; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D010539:Permeability; D012016:Reference Values; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible