In today's complex environment, virtually everyone can be exposed to possible cross contamination or cross infection situations on a daily basis. One is often not aware of the past exposure or activities of others with whom they come in contact. People from all walks of life will benefit from the protection provided by SyDERMA®. When used properly and consistently it can provide the protection needed against possible skin exposure to harmful bacteria strands and other contaminates that could be the source of infection, illness, or skin damage.

The mandate on hand washing suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the Journal of Hospital Occupational Health, January-February 1991 issue, examines the issue of cross contamination in great detail. Regardless of whether or not an industry or governmental agency has mandated the use of latex gloves or attempted to mandate or legislate a hand washing protocol, it is important to take the added but convenient step of providing additional protection against harmful substances and circumstances. This additional protection can be provided by SyDERMA®, which effectively combats bacteria strands that are easily transmitted in our society through the daily contact of individuals.

There is an increasing awareness among medical professionals that latex gloves alone cannot protect against cross contamination or cross infection in all situations. Numerous studies are available that provide evidence that latex gloves are not always enough to protect the wearer from strands of bacteria that may be potentially harmful to the glove user.
The National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital Systems in Washington, D. C., conducted a study in 1988, on the effectiveness of latex gloves in the prevention of cross contamination from carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The conclusion of this study was that latex gloves are not effective by themselves in preventing the cross contamination of these wide spread viruses. Their test protocol called for the microscopic examination of latex glove samples. This examination revealed cavities and channels that often penetrated the entire thickness of the glove. This study additionally stated the dangers of relying solely on the integrity of latex gloves as the only protection against viruses such as those studied. A research paper published by Drs. Arnold and Whitman in 1983, further supported the conclusion of the NIH and Georgetown University study. Studies conducted at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and other notable medical institutions have shown that as much as twenty-four percent (24%) of all latex gloves tested, leaked. Of particular interest among their findings were that the longer latex gloves were worn and the higher the stress to which they were subjected, the greater the possibility of glove leakage.
While SyDERMA® does not claim to be an alternative to latex gloves and does not in any way discourage the use of latex gloves when indicated, it serves as an excellent secondary layer of protection against bacterial and environmental contamination in the event the latex glove becomes compromised. Furthermore, SyDERMA® contains no petroleum nor alcohol based ingredients that might aggravate or exacerbate a wearer's latex allergies.

The protective barrier formed by SyDERMA® also assists in preventing the direct contact of the wearer's skin with the latex antigens or the powder used in gloves. This is especially important to those who often experience irritation when wearing latex gloves.