Applying skin protective cream and the wearing of gloves?-A randomized controlled experimental study

Background: Glove occlusion might enhance skin sensitivity to a subsequent detergent challenge (occlusion effect). Thus, some skin protection creams (PC) claim to protect against this effect of occlusion, and are recommended to be used before wearing liquid-proof gloves.Objectives: To evaluate the effect of PC applied prior to glove occlusion on the occlusion effect'& mdash;refers to increased susceptibility of the skin to a model detergent.Methods: One hundred and eleven volunteers were enrolled in a single-blind, randomized study. Seven PCs were applied before glove occlusion over 7 days (D1-D7). After sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) challenge, we compared the irritation between the areas treated with PC and occlusion alone. Clinical scoring and bioengineering methods (capacitance, transepidermal water loss [TEWL], and colourimetry [erythema]) were used to quantify the irritant reactions.Results: After 1 week of occlusion and PC application, we did not observe significant changes in TEWL, nor in erythema, whereas skin hydration raised in three cream treated areas. On day 10, after a challenge with SLS, some products significantly aggravated the skin irritation as compared to occlusion alone.Conclusions: The occlusion effect'& mdash;shown as higher skin susceptibility to a model detergent & mdash;was not mitigated by PCs when applied prior to glove occlusion. On the contrary, some PCs might have negative effects on skin barrier function and augment such sensitivity.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of protective creams prior to wearing liquid-proof gloves can mitigate the occlusion effect and skin sensitivity. The results showed that the use of protective creams did not alleviate the occlusion effect, and some creams may have negative effects on the skin barrier function and increase sensitivity.