Evaluation of Colloidal Oatmeal-Coated Exam Gloves on Skin of Healthcare Workers

Hand hygiene policies designed to protect patients and staff often results in aggravated skin conditions due to repeated hand washing and use of detergents, antibacterial gels and gloves. Aggravated skin conditions may in turn diminish hand hygiene practice. Therefore, methods to improve healthcare workers' skin conditions are desirable. Colloidal oatmeal is a USP skin protectant that helps relieve irritation and itching associated with dry skin. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a nitrile exam glove with an inner coating of colloidal oatmeal on healthcare workers' hands.