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:
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Taking off the second glove:
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Disposal: