Products like latex gloves are almost ubiquitous within many industries. Most people will think of using them as a precaution to avoid hygiene complaints, or perhaps as a guard against contact with really hazardous substances. However, one of the main reasons they are used is actually to protect employees from work related skin problems. These skins problems can arise in numerous situations, including when in contact with the aforementioned hazardous chemicals, but often they can also stem from far more normal circumstances. For example, did you know that having your hands wet for a prolonged extent can actually be the cause of potential skin problems? Here are some of the most common work related skin problems that your protective gloves are helping to combat:
Dermatitis
This condition is a relatively common concern in many workplaces, and it manifests like an allergic reaction when a specific irritant touches the skin. Caused by exposure to irritant chemicals (such as in the science or engineering industries), it can also become evident as a result of excessive hand washing or long-lasting contact with water. Dermatitis results in red, flaky, blistered, weeping, cracked or swollen skin, so it is naturally something to avoid where possible.
Urticaria
Urticaria causes the sufferer to experience angry red wheals or rashes on their skin, although the symptoms can disappear remarkably quickly after they have first been observed. Despite this brevity, the complaint frequently instigates burning or itching sensations, so it is not at all pleasant. Some of the known triggers include certain foods or excessive temperatures, although people with latex allergies can also experience a similar problem when wearing latex gloves. Because of this, Nitrile gloves are well worth keeping within easy reach, as they form an effective means of protection for people who simply can’t use standard latex products.
Skin Cancer
One of the most common types of cancer, you may be rather surprised to hear that skin cancer is also a legitimate concern at work (albeit a niche one). Those who work outdoors can certainly be at risk due to exposure to the sun, as can those who work with sun-beds. However, certain chemicals and radiation types can also be linked to the cancer. In many cases, levels of protection apart from gloves are naturally required, but simple hand wear will often serve to combat some chemically induced cancers.
As you can see, protective latex or Nitrile gloves are of vital importance in more ways than you might think. Here at the Glove Club, we specialise in stocking these products, although we also supply a vast range of additional protective wear for those times when simple gloves just aren’t enough. We can equip you with a multitude of products to ensure that you and your clients are all protected from a wide variety of contaminants, hygiene issue or similar complaints, so do browse through our extensive collection, and contact us if you still have any questions.
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