What is contact dermatitis?
There are two types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The symptoms can be itching, pain, rashes, bumps, burning skin and blisters1.
The most common form of contact dermatitis is Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD), which is caused when substances such as solvents or other chemicals irritate the skin. The exposure produces red patches on the affected skin areas, which are often more painful than itchy1.
Why is contact dermatitis a problem?
A recent survey of 550 practicing operating theatre surgeons and nurses showed2:
-
31%
of surgeons and nurses have personally experienced a skin reaction on their hands in the operating theatre.
-
34%
of those who experienced a reaction said the skin reaction had a negative impact on their quality of life.
-
16.2%
of those who experienced a reaction reported they had been distracted from their work due to a skin reaction to surgical gloves.
-
20%
Nearly 20% of those who had experienced a reaction had to change gloves during an operation (due to a reaction).
What can be done to avoid contact dermatitis?
-
Approach your occupational health team for an assessment of your reaction*.
-
Do not don gloves with wet hands. Water is a potential irritant. Frequent exposure causes swelling and shrinking of skin and can lead to dermatitis3.
-
Avoid detergents and opt for alcohol based hand rubs to reduce skin irritation.
-
Use moisturising skincare products that contain emollients.
-
Wear gloves that do not contain chemical accelerators that are known to cause contact dermatitis. Biogel PI UltraTouch S is designed to reduce the risk of contact dermatitis and is made using a skin-friendly formula4.
-
.
Download & learn how to manage contact dermatitis
Biogel® PI UltraTouch® S Indicator® System
- The same comfortable fit and precise feeling Biogel® surgical gloves are known for5,6,7.
- Designed to reduce the risk of contact dermatitis and made using a skin-friendly formula4.
- Best-in-class breach indication8,9 to ensure breaches are spotted quickly.
- FDA cleared to reduce the potential for sensitising users to rubber chemical additives10.
