Use of a semipermeable glove during treatment of hand dermatitis.

Forty-six subjects with hand dermatitis participated in a pilot study comparing a new semipermeable glove to a standard cotton glove. A variety of diagnoses were represented. Each subject received treatment with topical steroids and/or moisturizers and used one each of the experimental and cotton gloves for approximately one month. Physicians scored skin condition before and after treatment. Subjects evaluated skin comfort and practical aspects of using each type of glove. Thirty subjects completed the study protocol. The type of glove used had no impact on skin condition at follow up, with both groups of hands improving. Patients expressed a preference for the experimental gloves, noting improvements in skin and hand comfort, dexterity, cleanliness, and ease of use. Feedback suggested that the gloves will be well tolerated and patient compliance in using the gloves will be high. Evaluation of the gloves' value for prevention and chronic management of hand dermatitis is warranted.