|
Science lives on the concept of
"empirical" proof. "Empirical proof" means that something is
"verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment."
An extended definition of "empirical" is: "of or being a
philosophy of medicine emphasizing practical experience and
observation over scientific theory."
There has been shown empirical proof that the powder used in
latex gloves does contaminate wounds being treated, and that
even washing the powdered latex gloves is ineffective in
preventing this contamination. Peritoneal adhesions were also
cited as adverse effects of glove powder when treating patients.
The primary recommendation is to keep foreign bodies out of the
operative area, including glove powder. As a result, powder-free
gloves are recommended for open-wound treatments and surgeries.
Studies have also uncovered evidence of powder being left behind
on surgical instruments, after a person wearing the gloves
handled the instruments. Since it is suggested that the
operative area remain free of foreign particles, powder-free
gloves are the best kind to use.
Further studies have shown that gloves that use cornstarch as a
powder provide the least danger to a patient in regards to
causing an infection. In the past, talc has been widely, but
cornstarch has been proven to be much safer. The safest gloves,
however, are completely powder-free gloves.
Studies have also been completed on the risks of healthcare
workers inhaling the glove powder when performing examinations
or surgeries on patients. Since the early 1980's, there have
been a number of studies showing that glove powder, on latex
gloves, can cause respiratory complications and asthma-like
attacks for the healthcare workers.
It was believed that healthcare workers, who were exposed to
powdered-latex gloves on a regular basis and in large
concentrations, such as in an operating room, were more likely
to suffer from these respiratory complications. These studies
were quite thorough and even demonstrated that in one hospital
where all latex gloves were powder-free, there was a low
prevalence of respiratory complications for the healthcare
providers.
Research also indicated that it was also possible for those not
wearing latex gloves to suffer from the respiratory
complications. Simply being in a room or confined area where
people are wearing the powdered latex gloves can result in
respiratory problems. Generally, those who experienced an
allergic reaction to latex were also more likely to also suffer
from the respiratory problems caused by the latex glove powder.
Another study showed that cornstarch powder on latex gloves
could negatively affect the skin of the wearer. This is because
cornstarch naturally absorbs moisture, including the moisture
from the wearer's skin. The resulting tendency is to have dry
and cracked skin, which can lead to a higher likelihood of
infections, because the natural barrier of the skin has been
broken down.
As you can see, there are many reasons that some healthcare
workers are turning to powder-free latex gloves. It is probably
most important to use powder-free gloves during surgeries and
when working with open wounds, so that the powder does not cause
an infection or complication for the patient.
If you are a healthcare provider or other type of worker, who
wears gloves on a daily basis, it may be a good idea to use
powder-free latex gloves as often as possible. This will
decrease the chances of suffering from respiratory complications
and irritated skin that becomes dry and cracked as a result of
wearing powdered gloves on a regular basis.
There are many powder-free gloves available on the market that
has been shown to be just as effective against preventing the
transmission of diseases and infections as their powdered
counterparts. Powder-free exam gloves may be slightly more
expensive though, since removing the powder from the gloves adds
another step to the production process.
The slight added cost is thought to be well worth it, because of
the benefits that are offered to the patients and to the
healthcare providers who wear the powder-free gloves on a daily
basis.
|
