Despite the new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on hand hygiene in the healthcare environment, many healthcare workers are not strictly following the procedures.
       The CDC estimates that nearly two million patients in the United States get infections in hospitals each year, and about 90,000 of these patients die as a result of their infections. Following clean-hand policies alone could prevent the deaths of up to 20,000 patients each year.
       "Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs and antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC.
       So why aren't healthcare workers following hand hygiene procedures?
       One main reason is their skin is so dried out, chapped and cracked from frequent hand washings and glove changes that it's literally too painful to continually wash their hands and wear gloves as often as they should. Called contact dermatitis, this condition affects millions of healthcare workers around the country.
       This condition is exacerbated by the cold, dry air of winter.
       So, what's the answer? One solution is a new innovative exam glove that is lined on the inside with aloe vera, the same ingredient used in everyday premium skin care products. Literally thousands of nurses throughout the US are now using Aloetouch gloves to help soothe and moisturize their hands.
       Distributed by Medline Industries, Inc., Aloetouch is the only glove proven to treat and prevent contact dermatitis. The patented manufacturing process applies a thin layer of aloe vera to the entire interior surface of the gloves, then dries it. When the glove is donned, the aloe is rehydrated, bathing the hands in a natural moisturizer.
       For more information, visit www.medline.com.