Dr. Crina Radu, a neurosurgeon at the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, faced an unexpected challenge in her medical career. She developed a severe Type IV chemical allergy due to surgical gloves containing chemical accelerators. This allergy, characterized by delayed skin reactions, caused itchiness, rashes and swelling, significantly impacting her ability to perform her duties as a neurosurgeon.
"It got so bad that I couldn't even move my hands"
Dr. Radu's experience highlights a crucial aspect of healthcare that often goes unnoticed: the safety of our healthcare professionals. While gloves are indispensable for infection control, they can also pose risks. Chemical accelerators are needed for glove manufacturing to transform the raw material into strong and elastic glove films. However, some of these commonly used chemical accelerators are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis (a Type IV chemical allergy).
"[My hands] were so swollen and itchy I had to take two months off work for my hands to heal"
Occupational skin diseases can significantly impact the productivity of hospitals. When healthcare staff take sick leaves due to allergic reactions or skin conditions caused by gloves, it disrupts the workflow and can lead to staffing shortages. By providing safer gloves, we can help to reduce these incidents, at the same time ensuring that medical personnel can perform their duties without interruption and with peace of mind"
Our commitment goes beyond manufacturing. We actively engage with healthcare institutions to raise awareness about occupational hazards and the importance of choosing the right PPE. By staying informed and advocating for better standards, we can create a healthier workplace for all medical professionals.
Learn the full story of Dr. Radu by watching this video and get in touch with us to order skin-friendlier surgical gloves.
REFERENCES
1. Higgins C, Palmer A, Cahill J, Nixon R. Occupational skin disease among Australian healthcare workers: a retrospective analysis from an occupational dermatology clinic, 1993-2014. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(4):213-22