What Glove Material Is Best?
When it comes to gloves, latex is the best. "It provides the best over-all protection and is easily accessible," explains Dr. Chaudhary. If you are allergic to latex, however, Dr. Chaudhary suggests wearing either nitrile or vinyl gloves.
Pre-Glove Safety Measures
Before wearing your gloves, wash or sanitize your hands. Doing so will ensure that any harmful bacteria or fungus is removed and not allowed to incubate for prolonged periods.
Pro-longed Glove Usage
If you're expecting to wear your latex gloves for longer than 30 minutes, Dr. Chaudhary suggests wearing a well-fitted cotton glove beneath, as it reduces the chance of irritation, caused by sweat.
Keep Your Hands Off of Your Face
"Much like when you touch your face with your hands, gloves have the same ability to transfer not only the COVID-19 virus but also harmful bacteria and fungus," reveals Dr. Chaudhary.
How to Best Dispose of Your Latex Gloves
Dr. Chaudhary states that it is best to dispose of your latex gloves before entering your home, as it reduces the chance of potentially introducing the virus to it.
The Importance of Hand Moisturizers
Constant handwashing and sanitizing will cause the skin on your hands to dry and crack over time. To combat this, moisturize your hands regularly with urea-based repair creams. Dr. Chaudhary suggests being mindful of the number of times you wash or sanitize your hands if you experience allergies as a result of excessive glove use. He also recommends treating mild allergies with thick, rich cream-based hand moisturizers, as well as using cortisone-based cream for a few days. However, if your allergies are moderate or severe, Dr. Chaudhary stresses that a consultation with your dermatologist is required.
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