Received: 18 July 2026
Accepted: 21 August 2026
Published online: 30 September 2026
UDC: 613.62:616.5:616.314-051
DOI: 10.70113/1815-9443.2026.73.92.003
OCCUPATIONAL HAND DERMATOSES IN DENTISTS: THE ROLE OF GLOVES AND PREVENTION
Nurmukhanbetova A.A.¹, Tulepbergenova L.A.², Tulepbergenova A.P.²,
Mukhamediev A.G.¹, Turgynbay D.D.¹
¹Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
²Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Introduction. Dentists are repeatedly exposed to factors that may impair the hand skin barrier, including frequent handwashing and disinfection, prolonged glove occlusion, latex proteins, rubber additives, and methacrylate monomers. Hand dryness, irritation, and eczema usually reflect the combined effects of wet work, friction, irritants, and sensitization.
Objective. To summarize current evidence on the causes of occupational hand dermatoses in dentists, the role of medical gloves, and practical preventive measures.
Materials and Methods. A narrative review of PubMed/MEDLINE and PubMed Central publications from 2000 to 2026 was conducted, supplemented by selected earlier foundational studies and documents from WHO, CDC, and FDA. Systematic and narrative reviews, observational studies involving dental personnel, experimental studies of glove permeability to dental monomers, and infection-control guidance were considered. The review protocol was not registered and no formal risk-of-bias assessment was performed.
Results. Irritant contact dermatitis associated with wet work, detergents, friction, and occlusion is the most common condition. Latex proteins may cause immediate hypersensitivity reactions, whereas allergic contact dermatitis is more often related to vulcanization accelerators. Nitrile eliminates exposure to latex proteins, but some nitrile gloves may contain rubber accelerators. Disposable latex and nitrile gloves do not provide an absolute chemical barrier against HEMA, TEGDMA, MMA, and other monomers.
Discussion. Distinguishing irritant dermatitis, IgE-mediated latex allergy, and allergic contact dermatitis to rubber accelerators is essential for evidence-based glove selection and workplace modification. Protection against methacrylates should not rely on glove material alone and should include minimizing direct contact with uncured materials. Findings should be interpreted in light of the narrative design, heterogeneity of the included evidence, and the absence of formal quality appraisal.
Conclusion. Prevention of occupational hand dermatoses in dentists should combine appropriate glove selection, avoidance of direct hand contact with uncured materials, rational hand hygiene, use of compatible emollients, and early assessment of workers with recurrent hand eczema.
Keywords: occupational dermatitis, dental personnel, medical gloves, latex allergy, rubber accelerators, methacrylates, hand hygiene, prevention.
