Hand Protection

Gloves Minimize the risk of acquiring infections from

patients

Prevent microbial flora from being transmitted from dental health care providers to patients

Reduce contamination of the hands of dental health providers by microbial flora that can be transmitted from patient to patient

Are not a substitute for hand washing!

Latex Hypersensitivity

Mild to Moderate Contact Dermatitis – Localized Rash

Non Allergic type – Skin Dry & Itchy Allergic Type IV: Delayed reaction- appears over time 12-48 hrs

Moderate to Severe Hypersensitivity Allergic Type I

Immediate hypersensitivity – may include runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, ‘burning’ skin

Severe reactions effect respiratory system

Mild to Moderate Contact Dermatitis – Localized Rash

Non Allergic type – Skin Dry & Itchy Allergic Type IV: Delayed reaction- appears over time 12-48 hrs

Moderate to Severe Hypersensitivity Allergic Type I

Immediate hypersensitivity – may include runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, ‘burning’ skin

Severe reactions effect respiratory system

Irritant Contact Dermatitis:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Most common reaction to latex products. Dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, usually the hands. Not a true allergy.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

Results from exposure to chemicals added to latex during harvesting, processing or manufacturing. Rash usually begins 24- 48 hours after contact and may progress to oozing skin blisters.

Latex allergy can be acquired over time.

Latex Allergy (Type 1 or immediate):

The most serious of the reactions that usually begins within minutes of exposure to latex, can occur hours later with a variety of symptoms.

Incidence of latex reactionIncidence of latex reaction

In Summary:

Hand washing Wet hands with cool or lukewarm water,

apply soap, rub hands together for at least 15 seconds

Rinse and dry with disposable towel Use towel to turn off faucet

Hand rubs Apply to palm of one hand, rub hands

together covering all surfaces until dry Volume:

Based on manufacturer’s instructions

Wear gloves when contacting blood, saliva, and mucous membranes

Remove gloves immediately torn, cut or punctured

Remove gloves after patient care Do not wash, disinfect or sterilize

gloves for reuse

Wear gloves when contact with blood, saliva, and mucous membranes is possible

Remove gloves immediately that are torn, cut or punctured

Remove gloves after patient care

Do not wash, disinfect or sterilize gloves for reuse

Wear gloves when contact with blood, saliva, and mucous membranes is possible

Remove gloves immediately that are torn, cut or punctured

Remove gloves after patient care

Do not wash, disinfect or sterilize gloves for reuse

Recommendations for Gloving:

Types of Procedural Gloves”

Patient Procedure

Surgical

Housekeeping

Look closely at the glovesyou choose!

Vinyl gloves used to clean the operatory look very similar to the latex gloves.

It is hard to tell the difference between them.

(Vinyl is thicker to the feel).

Housekeeping Gloves

Types of Patient Procedure Gloves:

NitrilLatex

A Balancing Act: Which to choose?

Glove Fit:

Should be available in a variety of sizes and types

May causes hand fatigue if gloves don’t fit correctly

Glove integrity may be compromised

Injury is more likely to occur do to an ill fitting glove

Example of Gloves that are too TIGHT

Pulls too tightly across the palm.Will cause fatigue at thumb joint.

Will cause fatigue as fingers try to flex

Example of Gloves that are too LOOSE

Gloves that are too large pose a danger as excess glove material can catch on something and tear. Tactile sensitivity during procedures is greatly reduced as well.

Example of Gloves that are JUST RIGHT!

Taking off the first glove:

2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

Taking off the second glove:

1.2.

4.

5.

6.

Disposal: