These days, gloves are ubiquitous in the healthcare, cleaning and food service industries, and rightly so. They serve as an essential barrier against contaminants, a critical safeguard in both healthcare and food safety environments.
However, since COVID-19 and the renewed attention on handwashing habits, glove usage has spiked. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this could present a problem if handwashing habits are therefore being neglected. That prompts the question: Are gloves replacing good handwashing habits?
A Quick Summary of Gloves and Handwashing
Gloves are a necessity in work environments that call for sterile conditions. They are designed to protect hands from exposure to potentially harmful substances such as pathogens, chemicals and irritants. Yes, they will “reduce” the risk of contamination and infections, but this doesn’t mean that they are foolproof on their own.
This is why good handwashing habits should not be put aside. Handwashing helps to remove dirt, bacteria and viruses that might already be present on the skin. A proper handwashing routine drastically reduces the likelihood of transmission to yourself and others.
Why Good Handwashing Habits Still Matter
Wearing gloves alone could provide one with a false sense of security and this practice should NOT be a substitute for good handwashing habits. Like hands, gloves can become contaminated. Gloves can also fail in their mission if worn over an already contaminated hand.
Hand hygiene is strongly recommended along with glove usage by almost every medical expert and healthcare organization including the World Health Organization. Simply put, gloves should never replace handwashing. They should complement proper hygiene and not be used as a stand-alone barrier against contaminants.
This is because complete reliance on gloves as a substitute for good handwashing habits can still contribute to the spread of germs. In some cases, there are individuals who even wear the same gloves for extended periods of time which, of course, defeats the purpose. Also, gloves can easily tear or become punctured, rendering them useless as a barrier. This is why the recommendation for good handwashing habits still stands.
In Conclusion
Gloves are a great deterrent when it comes to shielding your hands from attracting or spreading contaminants. However, gloves alone will not do the job. They should never be viewed as a replacement for good handwashing habits. By combining the two, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination while maintaining a healthier environment.
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