• Itching, burning, redness (acute).
  
• Dryness, crusting, cracking, formation of hard bumps (chronic).
• Symptoms will present only on skin areas covered by the glove.
  

• Chemicals used in the manufacturing of gloves.
  
• Soaps, antiseptics, scrub solutions and disinfectants.
  
• Atmosphere - cold, wind, aridity.
• Improper hand washing and drying.

• Identify and discontinue use of causative factor
  
• Consider soaps etc. as well as the gloves as potential causes.
  
• Allow time for your hands to heal.
  
• Take steps to improve hand care practices.
  

• May present as itching, dryness, redness, crusting, swelling, hives vesicles/blisters, papules and/or sores.
  
• Symptoms will present 1 - 2 days following contact.
  
• In chronic cases these symptoms may spread beyond the area of glove contact to other sites on the body.
  
• There is no respiratory or facial involvement, nor will the symptoms progress to anaphylaxis.
• These symptoms will diminish within two weeks of discontinuing use.

• Manufacturing chemicals.
  
• Soaps, detergents, antiseptics, and disinfectants.
• Other allergies and/or chronic eczema.

• Identify and discontinue use of causative factor.
• Allow time for your hands to heal.
• Consult with a dermatologist to select an alternative glove type (formulated for chemical allergies).

• A rash or hives (urticaria) located anywhere on the body.
  
• Accompanying respiratory affection (wheezing, difficult breathing).
  
• Swelling of the facial area.
  
• Possible abdominal cramping, nausea and increased pulse.
  
• Symptoms will present within minutes of contact with a latex product.
  

• Natural Rubber Latex protein allergy.
  
• Cross reactivity to certain food allergies (kiwi fruit, bananas, chestnuts, avocado).
• Affection through skin contact, mucous membrane or wound contact, and/or injection aspiration.

• Identify and discontinue use of causative factor.
  
• Seek professional medical attention. Treatment with adrenaline/epinephrine may be required in the case of anaphylactic shock (rarely occurs).
  
• Diagnostic testing involves a Skin Prick Test.
  
• Avoid all contact with natural rubber latex, both at work and at home.
• Consult with a dermatologist to select an alternative glove type (latex-free).

Chemical Resistance Chart

4. What are the recommended storage instructions for Hedy Canada products?

Store in a cool, dry area and avoid exposing open boxes to fluorescent light or direct sunlight.

6. What kind of powder is used in Hedy Canada powdered gloves?

The powder used for Hedy Canada powdered gloves is USP absorbable cornstarch dusting powder. Because an allergy to cornstarch is highly unlikely, most powder related irritations are not real allergies but often symptoms of improper hand washing.

Acceptable powder levels set out by ASTM are maximum levels and there are no minimums stipulated. In addition, Hedy Canada also specifies a minimum powder content to ensure consistent ease of donning.

7. Where can I purchase Hedy Canada products?

Hedy Canada sells products through a variety of national and regional dealers in Canada. Please see the How to Buy page for more details.

• Between every patient
• When the glove is torn, punctured or contaminated.
  
• After contact with hydrocarbon based products, such as mineral oil,petroleum jelly or lanolin (latex only)
  
• Frequently (every 15 - 30 minutes) during longer procedures.*

• Select a glove type that is best suited for your task.
  
• Examine each glove for irregularities or tears prior to donning.
  
• Select the correct glove size. This will reduce finger fatigue and the chances of tearing.
  
• Change your gloves frequently.
  
• Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly after each use.
  
• If you double glove, the inner glove is not a substitute for hand washing. Remove both pairs and wash your hands thoroughly before dealing with a new patient.
  
• Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed and remove hand jewelry.
  
• Hedy Canada encourages the use of water-based hand moisturizers and barrier creams.
  
• Change latex gloves if you come into contact with a hydrocarbon based product.
  
• Hedy Canada recommends that gloves be used within three years. The age of our gloves can be determined by looking for the manufacturing date printed on every box.

11. How often should I change my mask?

To maintain effective protection, Health Canada recommends that you change your mask after 20 minutes of heavy use or 40 minutes of normal use, and with every new patient.