Occupational dermatitis and glove use

Following reports of increased cases of occupational dermatitis in nurses and health care assistants, in 2010 the RCN surveyed its members on work related skin problems and glove use. Some of the key issues emerging from the survey were:

• continued use of powered latex gloves, when powdered alternatives are available
• extensive use of non-powdered latex gloves
• 22% of respondents reported skin probelms on their hands that have been confirmed as work-related
• a lack of health surveillance/skin checks to look for signs of skin problems on hands
• variations in practice associates with glove use including compliance and non-compliance with current best practice guidance on appropriate occasions for glove use
• 22% of respondents were unaware of their employers policy on glove use.

For a copy of the RCN's guidance for health care staff on glove use and the preventation of contact dermatitis, please go to Tools of the Trade (PDF 575KB) [see how to access PDF files].