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	Education > FAQ

	Frequently Asked Questions

	1. What if I have skin reactions or allergies to a glove?
	2. What can I do to make sure the gloves will be an effective barrier?
	3. Is it all right to use hand lotion before putting on latex gloves?
	4. Do I need to wash my hands when using gloves?
	5. What are the important things to remember when putting on gloves?
	6. How should I store gloves?

	1. What if I have skin reactions or allergies to a glove? If you experience any of allergies symptoms using natural rubber latex gloves or any other products containing natural rubber latex, stop using the gloves or product immediately and contact your doctor. If either you or your patient is allergic to natural rubber latex, use a non-latex glove. The FDA has advised that health care workers should identify latex-sensitive patients and be prepared to treat allergic reactions promptly. For those taking patient histories, remember to ask questions about problems with latex or rubber. For example, questions about itching, rash, or wheezing after wearing utility latex gloves or blowing up toy balloons may indicate a natural rubber latex allergy. 3. Which materials provide the most effective barrier? Tests have shown that intact natural rubber latex and synthetic rubber are effective barriers against the passage of the hepatitis B virus and HIV .

	2. What can I do to make sure the gloves will be an effective barrier? As long as the glove material is intact, it will protect you and your patients. You can help avoid tears and punctures by making sure your fingernails are well trimmed, and removing all hand jewelry. The quality of gloves also depends on how they are stored and used. Manufacturers check their gloves for leaks using a "water-leak" test. FDA inspectors also do the same test on samples of gloves. If a sample of gloves does not pass the "water-leak" test, they cannot be sold as medical gloves.

	3. Is it all right to use hand lotion before putting on latex gloves? Yes, as long as the hand lotion is water-based. Check the labeling to make sure the lotion does not contain any oil. Oils, such as mineral oil, or petroleum based products, such as Vaseline®, can weaken latex, allowing the glove to tear. Just because a lotion easily washes off does not mean that it is water-based. Please note that oil-based lotions do not affect vinyl gloves.

	4. Do I need to wash my hands when using gloves? Yes. Bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment inside the glove and can multiply quickly. You need to wash your hands both before and after each time you put on and remove gloves to prevent disease transmission. Repeated hand washing, especially during the dry winter months can lead to skin irritation. Glove use may magnify this problem. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before putting on gloves. Use lotions or creams regularly when not wearing gloves.

	5. What are the important things to remember when putting on gloves? Avoid excessive stretching of the glove. * Work the glove down to the base of the fingers to make sure that the glove fits comfortably. For good tactile sensitivity, the gloves should neither be too tight or too loose at the fingertips. * Make sure the glove fits snugly across the palm and in the cuff area without being too tight. * Check again for signs of damage to gloves.

	6. How should I store gloves? Glove effectiveness changes over time. Gloves are affected by extreme temperatures, ultraviolet light, ozone, and water. Do: Store gloves in a cool, dry place Rotate your supply of gloves so that the oldest supply is used first. Keep gloves in their original box until they are needed. Do not: Store gloves where they might be exposed to extreme temperatures or light Store near circulating fan motor, air conditioners, or electric motors Store in direct sunlight or near fluorescent lights Store on window sills or radiators Store near x-ray equipment or in a room near x-ray equipment that does not have a shielded wall

	http://www.thcnet.com/html/edu/rightside.htm The above questions and answers were published in 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration and the Health Industry Manufacturer's Association