Wet gloves are commonly used for household chores such as washing dishes, cleaning floors, or doing laundry. However, many people don’t realize that leaving wet gloves on for an extended period can lead to bacterial growth, which can cause skin infections. In this article, we will discuss how bacterial growth in wet gloves can lead to skin infections and how to prevent them.
Bacteria are present on our skin and are harmless in small quantities. However, when conditions such as moisture, warmth, and lack of air circulation are present, bacteria can rapidly multiply and cause infections.
Wet gloves provide the perfect environment for bacterial growth, as they trap moisture and prevent air circulation. Thus, you should keep your gloves dry to prevent bacterial growth. You can use new technology portable glove dryer to get rid of moisture from your gloves.
Different Kinds Of Skin Infection Due To Wet Gloves
Do you know that Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common bacteria found in wet gloves? Though this bacterium is not harmful when it sits outside our body. However, when it enters the body through cuts, abrasions, or other openings, it can cause infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and staph infections.
- Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is common in children. Symptoms of this skin infection are red sores that convert into scabs and blisters. Impetigo can be easily spread from person to person through direct contact with the infected skin or objects that have come into contact with the infected skin.
- Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that is more common in adults. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. It can occur anywhere on your body. But the most common region of its occurrence is the legs.
- Staph
The main reason for Staph infections is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Symptoms of these skin infections are pimples, boils, and various other skin infections like pneumonia.
- Athlete’s Foot
Bacterial growth in wet gloves can also lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and wet gloves provide the perfect environment for them to grow and spread.
Prevent Bacterial Growth In Gloves
Preventing bacterial growth in wet gloves is essential to prevent skin infections. Here are some tips to prevent bacterial growth in wet gloves:
- Use Gloves That Fit Properly
Gloves that are too tight can cause sweating and trapping of moisture in the gloves leading to bacterial growth. Too loose gloves allow water to enter inside the gloves. It would make your gloves wet from the inside and increase the probability of skin infections.
- Change Gloves Frequently
It is important to change gloves frequently, especially if you are using them for extended periods. You should change gloves at least once every two hours if they are wet. If your gloves are dry, then you can wear them for a whole day.
- Dry Gloves Thoroughly
After use, gloves should be hung up to dry completely before being put away. This will help prevent bacterial growth. You should never store wet gloves because they can trigger the growth of molds and mildews. Thus, you should thoroughly dry your gloves before placing them inside the storage unit. You can use a 12-volt glove dryer to keep your gloves dry.
- Use Gloves For The Intended Purpose
Gloves should be used for their intended purpose. For example, gloves used for cleaning the bathroom should not be used for washing dishes. Each glove designed for a specific purpose is made of up different materials and designed according to the task. Thus, you should not interchange them for other tasks.
- Avoid Sharing Gloves
Gloves should not be shared with others. This can spread bacteria and increase the risk of skin infections. Therefore, you should keep your glove separate and not share it with anyone else.
- Wash Your Hands
It is important to wash your hands before and after using gloves. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of skin infections.
- Avoid Wearing Gloves For Extended Periods
Gloves should not be worn for extended periods. If you need to wear gloves for an extended period, take breaks and allow your hands to dry out.
Wrap Up
The bacterial growth in wet gloves can lead to skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and staph infections. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus can also occur. It is essential to prevent bacterial growth in wet gloves by using gloves that fit properly, changing gloves frequently, drying gloves thoroughly, using gloves for the intended purpose, avoiding sharing gloves, washing your hands, and avoiding wearing gloves for extended periods. By following these simple tips, you can prevent bacterial growth in wet gloves.
