Effect of glove occlusion on human skin. (I). short-term experimental exposure

Skin barrier function was studied after use of occlusive gloves on normal and compromised skin. 2 studies were performed (Study A and B), and the effects were evaluated by non-invasive methods. Participants in the studies were instructed to wear an occlusive glove on one hand, while the other hand served as control. The gloves used were hypoallergenic, non-latex. Study A: 20 volunteers wore a glove on normal skin 6 h/day for 3 days. Study B: 20 volunteers wore a glove on sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS)-compromised skin 6 h/day for 3 days. Skin barrier function was evaluated by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Evaporimeter), skin hydration by electrical capacitance (Corneometer) and inflammation was evaluated by erythema index (DermaSpectrometer).

Study A. Glove occlusion on normal skin 6 h/day for 3 days caused no significant influence on the water barrier function. Study B: Glove occlusion on SLS-compromised skin for the same period of time had a significantly negative effect on the water barrier function. It is concluded that occlusion may be an additional factor in the pathogenesis of cumulative irritant contact dermatitis.