Against skin irritations and neurodermatitis

Occupational hand eczema among service and kitchen personnel is a leading cause of illness in the food industry. While 40% of cases are caused by contact with food, 55% of all cases of skin irritation are caused by soaps, detergents, contact with allergens (such as latex and rubber accelerators) and the prolonged wearing of plastic gloves.

Our food industry suffers most frequently from irritant hand dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, protein contact dermatitis and hand infections. The more staff come into contact with detergents, soaps or allergies on latex and rubber accelerators, the more the natural acidity of the skin is destroyed and the skin surface becomes cracked. Cracked skin leads to skin infections that can manifest as red, painful, swollen skin with ulcers, oozing and pustules.

In response to latex allergies, vinyl and nitrile gloves were introduced to the glove market as a "non-problem" solution. Both options are used as substitutes for latex gloves, but in reality allergic reactions to vinyl and nitrile are also possible: an allergic reaction to vinyl results in contact urticaria, which feels like the skin is on fire. It is usually caused by the sweating of the hands and the lack of breathability of the gloves. Nitrile gloves can cause atopic dermatitis, also known as neurodermatitis, and dry skin because wearers can be allergic to the rubber accelerators used in the manufacture of the gloves.

To avoid contact with latex, vinyl or nitrile, service workers* are advised to wear white cotton gloves under the disposable gloves. The problem with double gloves: they increase the incidence of skin irritation because they are not breathable and cause sweating and/or hyperhydration.

ElephantSkin gloves eliminate the need to wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves. Indeed, they combine both functions:

ElephantSkin gloves are enhanced with antiviral and antibacterial technology and are effective against cross-contamination and skin irritation. It forms an ultra-thin barrier layer on the surface, preventing viruses and bacteria, inside and outside the glove. ElephantSkin gloves do not need to be changed after each contact.

For employees who have to use touchscreens at work, there is a special feature: touchscreens on cell phones, cash registers and vending machines can be operated without any problems. Gloves do not have to be removed for this purpose.

We recommend its use in the following application areas:

- Gastronomy
- Hotel business
- Events
- Training
- Travel
- Shopping