Yes, but their use has specific indications. Within hospitals and in risk situations, they are always recommended. They are not recommended for routine use outside the home (e.g. for walking or sports). They are recommended for use at home in two situations: when cleaning a specific area and/or when a patient is suspected of having a contagious disease (e.g. COVID-19).
The use of gloves must be accompanied by a prevention strategy that includes:
- Social distancing (minimum 1.5 meters).
- Hand washing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use of hydroalcoholic gel of 60% alcohol (minimum).
- Correct use of masks
Gloves alone, without the above mentioned measures, do not work. Under no circumstances should we touch our face with gloves and without washing our hands.
Can they be counterproductive? Why?
Gloves are not 100% safe. If they are put on incorrectly, they may have micro cracks through which microorganisms can enter. There are different types of gloves and some can cause dermatological reactions in susceptible people.
When the correct hand washing is not done before and after the use of gloves, diseases can be transmitted in the same way.
Does it make any difference what type of glove we use?
Hypoallergenic, disposable, non-sterile gloves are recommended for use in the previously mentioned situations.
Can they be reused?
No, gloves should be disposable, it is not recommended to “clean, sterilize, wash”. That can damage their effectiveness.