What are the best gloves to use for individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD)?

Best Gloves for Atopic Dermatitis

For individuals with atopic dermatitis, cotton gloves worn alone or as liners under protective gloves are the best choice, with accelerator-free neoprene or nitrile gloves recommended when barrier protection is needed. 1, 2

Primary Glove Recommendations

Cotton Gloves (First-Line for Skin Protection)

• Cotton gloves are the optimal choice for direct skin contact in atopic dermatitis patients, particularly for overnight occlusive therapy after moisturizer application 1
• Cotton prevents the negative effects on skin barrier function that occur with prolonged occlusive glove wear 3
• Use cotton glove liners under any protective gloves to reduce direct skin contact with potential allergens and prevent irritation 1, 2
• Cotton maintains good moisture absorption and heat conduction, making it the most commonly used and well-tolerated textile for atopic patients 4

Loose Plastic Gloves (Alternative for Occlusive Therapy)

• Clear, disposable food-grade plastic gloves can be used as an alternative to cotton for overnight occlusive therapy after moisturizer application 1
• These create an effective occlusive barrier without the allergenic potential of medical-grade gloves 1

When Barrier Protection is Required

Accelerator-Free Gloves (For Medical/Occupational Use)

• If you need protective gloves, choose accelerator-free neoprene or nitrile gloves specifically labeled as such 1, 2
• Standard nitrile gloves should be avoided initially because rubber accelerators used in their manufacturing are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, even though facilities switched from latex to nitrile 1
• Rubber-free neoprene gloves are the safest option as they maintain superior tensile strength while avoiding rubber accelerators 1

Vinyl Gloves (Secondary Option)

• Vinyl gloves are safer regarding allergic contact dermatitis because they typically do not contain rubber accelerators 1
• However, vinyl gloves have significantly lower tensile strength and elongation requirements compared to nitrile, natural rubber, and neoprene gloves 1
• Rare reports of allergic contact dermatitis to vinyl gloves exist, though uncommon 1

Critical Usage Guidelines

Moisturizer Application Protocol

• Always apply moisturizer after washing hands and before wearing any gloves 1, 2
• Use water-based moisturizers under all glove types; oil-based moisturizers will break down latex and rubber by causing material swelling or brittleness 1
• Apply moisturizer using two fingertip units for adequate hand coverage 2, 5

Glove Wearing Technique

• Never apply gloves when hands are still wet from hand washing or sanitizer 2, 5, 6
• Avoid increased duration of glove occlusion without underlying moisturizer application 2, 5, 6
• Long-term occlusive glove wear (6 hours/day for 14 days) significantly impairs skin barrier function as measured by transepidermal water loss 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume all nitrile gloves are safe - standard nitrile gloves contain rubber accelerators that commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis 1, 2
• Do not use latex gloves, as sensitization risk is well-established 1
• Avoid prolonged occlusive glove wear without cotton liners, as this damages the skin barrier 3
• Do not use oil-based moisturizers under latex or rubber gloves 1

When to Suspect Glove Allergy

• If hand dermatitis develops or worsens with glove use despite proper moisturization, suspect glove allergic contact dermatitis 1, 2
• Patch testing is mandatory for suspected allergic contact dermatitis to identify the specific allergen 1, 2, 5
• Refer to dermatology for patch testing if glove-related allergic contact dermatitis is suspected 2, 5