The Gloves as Effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) of Indonesian Batik Workers

Abstract

Background: Batik substances may increase the risk of biological function disruption to batik workers.
Objective: To Determine the effectiveness of using test gloves in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin
hydration level, and skin acidity (pH).
Methods: This study was one group pretest-posttest design of 16 batik workers. Subjects use test gloves
made from neoprene on right hands and personal gloves made from thermoplastic polymer of vinyl chloride
on left hands in first and second week. Washed out for 2 weeks, last 2 weeks use test gloves on left hand
and personal gloves on right hand. TEWL, skin hydration level, and pH was examined by Cutometer dual
MP-580
Result: First and second week using test gloves on the right hand, significantly differences of TEWL level
on extensor and dorsum manus; skin hydration level on flexor, extensor, palmar, and dorsum manus; pH
on extensor, palmar and dorsum manus (p<0.05; CI 95%). Fifth and sixth week using test gloves in the
left hand, significantly difference of TEWL level on dorsum manus, all area of skin hydration level and pH
results (p<0.05; CI 95%). No significant differences of comparison right and left hand in the first, second,
fifth, and sixth week, that showed any types of gloves can protect batik workers from skin barrier disruption.
Conclusion: Personal gloves and test gloves usage for protection doesn’t have much significant difference.
Wearing gloves may also give risk to trigger contact dermatitis if not used properly or using incompatible
material.