Short- and long-term effects of single and repetitive glove occlusion on the epidermal barrier

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the occlusive effects of glove materials (polyvinyl chloride, natural rubber latex) on epidermal barrier function and to relate the findings to the definitions of wet work in the current German ordinance on hazardous substances (2007) and in the German technical regulations on hazardous substances (TRGS 401; 2008). Short-term effects of wearing gloves once for 4 h, as well as the long-term effects of wearing gloves for 4 h daily for 7 days were assessed in a group of 20 healthy volunteers using non-invasive methods (transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, skin colour, skin surface pH). Data were collected 30 min and 3 h after single use, as well as 1 day after a 1-week application. TEWL and capacitance data showed hyperhydration of the horny layer 30 min after a 4-h occlusion as compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Three hours later, full recovery to basal values was observed. Additionally, a significant long-term effect after daily occlusion for 4 h for 7 days could not be demonstrated. In current literature, there is controversial evidence concerning the effects of glove occlusion. This study could not verify significant damage to skin barrier after 7 days of repeated occlusion 4 h daily in healthy volunteers. These findings require further discussion regarding the definitions in the current German ordinance on hazardous substances and in the TRGS 401.

Occlusive gloves and skin conditions: is there a problem? Results of a cross-sectional study in a semiconductor company

“…Several studies with small samples have shown no significant impact of occlusion on skin condition by wearing gloves . These results are in line with the fact that healthcare workers who wear occlusive gloves regularly did not show a high prevalence of hand dermatitis (e.g.…”

“…In contrast to that study with wearing of occlusive gloves on 14 consecutive days, our clean‐room workers had worn occlusive gloves regularly for four consecutive days for years. Wearing of occlusive gloves 4 h daily on seven consecutive days led to hyperhydration of the horny layer 30 min after occlusion, measured by TEWL, with full recovery to baseline values after 3 h. No significant damage to the skin barrier could be verified in 20 healthy volunteers . The investigation of 50 dental healthcare workers wearing nonpowdered latex or nitrile gloves for 8 h daily for at least 4 days a week for 3 months, and 25 control persons, by TEWL and clinical examination showed no difference between the skin condition of the hands of persons working with or without gloves …”

Impact of glove occlusion on cumulative skin irritation with or without hand cleanser–comparison in an experimental repeated irritation model

“…The effects of such short episodes of occlusion are also short‐lived. It takes 3 hr for the bioengineering parameters to return to normal after a single 4‐hr glove occlusion (30). No significant TEWL increase was shown after 4 hr of glove occlusion daily for 7 days in the same study (measured on the eighth day).…”

Prevalence and risk factors for latex glove allergy among female clinical nurses: a multicenter questionnaire study in China

“…Hyperhydration of stratum corneum and damage to permeability barrier may be the most important occlusive effects of gloves on the epidermal barrier. 20,21 We speculate that contact and/or inhalation of excessive aeroallergens may contribute to the increased risk when nursing staff spend .1 hour in a particular room. Long-term wear of latex gloves may reinforce the invasion of irritants and hydrophilic allergens on the inner surface of gloves via augmenting hand sweating and occlusion effect.…”