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

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundGlove 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.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of PC applied prior to glove occlusion on the ‘occlusion effect’—refers to increased susceptibility of the skin to a model detergent.MethodsOne 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.ResultsAfter 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.ConclusionsThe ‘occlusion effect’—shown as higher skin susceptibility to a model detergent—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.