Why Gloves Are Making Your Hands Dry — and What to Do About It

If your job requires gloves, chances are your hands are paying the price.

Cracked knuckles, dry patches, and that constant tight feeling — it’s an all-too-familiar experience for healthcare workers, cleaners, lab technicians, and many others who rely on PPE such as gloves every day. Many workers in essential industries are finding that frequent gloves use, while necessary, can lead to skin problems that build up over time, making everyday tasks uncomfortable.

This blog explores why PPE-related skin issues happen and what you can do to protect your hands while staying safe on the job.

Why wearing gloves as PPE causes dry or irritated skin

If you’ve ever taken off your gloves after a long shift and noticed your hands feeling tight, itchy, or flaky — you’re not imagining it. While PPE like gloves and sanitiser are essential for hygiene and safety, they can also have unintended effects on your skin — especially with frequent use.

1. Gloves create a warm, moist environment — and that’s not always a good thing

When you wear gloves for long periods, especially during physical work, sweat and moisture get trapped against the skin. This constant dampness combined with heat can create friction, which slowly breaks down your skin’s natural barrier. Over time, that leads to irritation, dryness, and even tiny cracks in the skin that can become painful.

It’s similar to how your skin might feel soft or wrinkled after being in water too long — but with gloves, it’s prolonged and repeated, sometimes multiple times a day.

2. Frequent handwashing and hand sanitiser use strip away natural oils

In industries like healthcare, food handling, and cleaning, hand hygiene is critical. But washing your hands dozens of times a day — or constantly using alcohol-based sanitisers — can strip your skin of its natural protective oils.

This leaves your skin vulnerable to dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation. Even water alone, when used too often without moisturising afterwards, can upset the skin’s balance.

3. Some glove materials can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivity

Latex gloves, once a common choice, can cause reactions in some people — ranging from mild irritation to full-blown allergic dermatitis. Even if you’re not allergic, prolonged exposure to latex or the powders used in some gloves can still cause skin to feel itchy or dry.

Thankfully, alternatives like nitrile or vinyl gloves are widely available and often better tolerated by sensitive skin. But if you’re still experiencing issues, the type or fit of your glove may need rethinking.

4. Heat, humidity, and tight-fitting gloves can make things worse

In hot or humid environments — or when gloves are very snug — your hands may sweat even more, which only amplifies friction, moisture buildup, and discomfort. This combination can not only dry the skin but also lead to a condition called occlusive dermatitis, where blocked sweat and friction cause redness, rashes, and soreness.

Common symptoms of glove-related skin irritation

It’s normal for your hands to feel a bit dry after a shift or a long day of frequent glove use — but when does it cross the line from manageable to concerning? The truth is, many people simply power through skin irritation, thinking it’s just part of the job. But ignoring early signs can lead to more painful, long-lasting problems.

Here’s what to watch for:

1. Itching and flaking

A bit of dryness is one thing — but if your hands are constantly itchy or covered in fine flakes, it’s a sign your skin’s natural barrier is starting to break down. This can make you more vulnerable to further irritation, especially when you’re washing and sanitising all day.

2. Redness or a burning feeling

Persistent redness, warmth, or stinging (especially after washing) may indicate inflammation or early-stage dermatitis. Even if your skin doesn’t look broken, that raw or tight feeling is your body’s way of saying, “I need some support here.”

3. Cracks, splits or fissures

When dryness becomes more severe, it can lead to painful cracks, especially around the knuckles or fingertips where the skin stretches and bends the most. These fissures can sting, bleed, and increase your risk of infection — particularly in healthcare or food handling settings.

4. Rashes, bumps, or rough patches

If you’re developing areas of bumpy, scaly, or thickened skin, it could be a form of contact dermatitis — a reaction to constant friction, moisture, or even the materials in your gloves or sanitiser.

5. Increased sensitivity to soaps or sanitisers

When your skin barrier is compromised, things that never used to bother you — like alcohol wipes or handwash — may suddenly sting or burn. This kind of heightened sensitivity is a red flag that your skin is in distress and needs replenishment and protection.

When left unaddressed, minor skin issues can develop into more serious conditions that affect not only your comfort but also your ability to work safely. Damaged skin can also increase your risk of infection — something no one wants in a healthcare, food prep, or cleaning environment.

Practical tips to protect your skin

Wearing gloves and sanitising regularly may be part of your job — but caring for your skin should be part of the routine too. It doesn’t take a major effort to make a real difference. Just a few simple changes can help prevent dryness, irritation, and long-term discomfort.

1. Use a barrier cream before gloving up

Think of barrier creams as invisible gloves — they help protect your skin from friction, sweat, and moisture loss while still allowing you to wear PPE gloves safely.

• Apply a fragrance-free, fast-absorbing formula to clean, dry hands before putting on gloves.
  
• Reapply during breaks or between glove changes, especially if you’re washing hands frequently.
  
• Look for creams labelled as “glove-compatible” or “non-greasy” to ensure they won’t interfere with your grip or glove material.

Our recommendation: 

Soodox Soothe & Protect Barrier Cream

The Soodox Soothe & Protect Barrier Cream is a great option for anyone looking to protect their skin the natural way. Made with 100% natural ingredients like zinc oxide and coconut oil, it works to lock in moisture, reduce irritation, and support skin recovery — all while being safe to use under gloves.

2. Choose skin-friendly gloves

The type of glove you wear matters more than you might think — especially if you wear them for hours at a time.

• If you're sensitive to latex, opt for nitrile or vinyl gloves — both are widely used and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
  
• Choose powder-free gloves to reduce drying and irritation.
  
• Make sure your gloves fit properly — too tight, and they’ll cause friction and trap sweat; too loose, and your skin may chafe with movement.

If you’re in control of your PPE choice, go for gloves that balance protection with comfort.

Aussie Pharma Direct stocks a range of quality nitrile and vinyl gloves, most of which are powder-free and designed for sensitive hands. They’re available in different sizes and bulk quantities, so you can stock up for your home or workplace easily. Explore our glove range here.

3. Wash hands gently — and not excessively

Hand hygiene is non-negotiable in many jobs, but how you wash matters just as much as how often.

• Use lukewarm (not hot) water and a gentle, pH-balanced soap.
  
• Avoid scrubbing too hard — instead, lather well and rinse thoroughly.
  
• Pat dry with a towel rather than rubbing, which can cause micro-tears in irritated skin.
  
• When possible, alternate between handwashing and using hand sanitiser to give your skin a break from water exposure.

4. Pick the right hand sanitiser

Not all sanitisers are created equal. If you're using one all day long, choose one that’s designed to be kind to skin.

• Look for sanitisers that include moisturising agents like glycerin, aloe vera, or vitamin E.
  
• Avoid heavily fragranced or dyed formulas, as these can increase irritation — especially on already dry or broken skin.

Our recommendation: 

ViroCLEAR Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitiser

While alcohol-based hand sanitisers are often recommended — especially in clinical, hospital, or lab settings where there’s a higher risk of exposure to pathogens — they can be harsh on sensitive skin, particularly with frequent use. If you're looking for a gentler option that still offers strong protection, ViroCLEAR Hand Sanitiser is a great alternative.

It’s alcohol-free and TGA-listed, using 0.12% benzalkonium chloride (BKC) as the active ingredient — a well-established antimicrobial that works by breaking down the outer membrane of bacteria and inactivating viruses on contact. Unlike alcohol, BKC is less drying on the skin, making it a suitable choice for frequent use.

To further support skin health, ViroCLEAR is also infused with natural botanicals like chamomile extract, helping to soothe and protect hands with every application — without the sting or strong odour of traditional sanitisers.

5. Moisturise after work

Once the gloves are off for the day, it’s time to replenish what your skin has lost.

• Use a thicker hand cream or balm in the evening — preferably one designed to lock in moisture overnight.
  
• If your hands are very dry or cracked, applying cream and wearing cotton gloves to bed can boost hydration and aid repair.
  
• Keep a travel-sized moisturiser in your bag or locker so you can reapply throughout the day as needed.

Regular moisturising helps your skin bounce back and stay resilient against daily PPE use — especially when combined with gentle cleansing and barrier protection.

Our recommendation: 

Allay Organics Calm Cream

Give Allay Organics Calm Cream a try — it’s a gentle, nourishing option specially made for skin that’s prone to eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. Free from steroids, fragrance, and alcohol, it’s a great choice for sensitive hands that are exposed to gloves, sanitiser, and constant washing. With a soothing blend of natural anti-inflammatory and moisturising ingredients, it helps calm itching, ease redness, and support your skin’s recovery over time.

Signs that it’s time to check in with your GP or a dermatologist

Most of the time, dry or irritated hands caused by PPE gloves can be managed with good skin care and a few small changes to your daily routine. But sometimes, skin damage goes beyond what moisturisers and barrier creams can fix — and it’s important to know when to seek extra help.

1. Persistent pain or cracking

If your hands are constantly sore, or you have deep cracks (fissures) that bleed or don’t heal, that’s a sign your skin barrier is significantly compromised. Not only is this painful, but it also increases your risk of infection — especially in environments where hygiene is critical.

2. Rashes that don’t go away

Ongoing redness, bumps, or rough patches could be signs of contact dermatitis — an inflammatory skin condition that can be triggered by allergens or irritants (like glove materials, soaps, or sanitisers). If these rashes linger or get worse, medical treatment may be needed to calm the inflammation and prevent flare-ups.

3. Signs of infection

Watch for symptoms like swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing redness, particularly around cracks or broken skin. These could indicate a skin infection, which may require antibiotics or other treatment — don’t wait to seek care if you notice these signs.

4. No improvement with regular care

If you’ve been consistently moisturising, using barrier creams, and following protective tips but your hands still aren’t improving, a healthcare professional can help identify underlying issues — like allergies, sensitivities, or occupational dermatitis — and guide you on next steps.

You don’t have to “just live with it”

It’s easy to dismiss skin irritation as “just part of the job,” but the reality is, you deserve to feel comfortable and protected — both inside and outside your gloves. Speaking to a doctor or skin specialist can help you find long-term relief and prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems down the track.

Hand care matters — especially when you wear gloves as PPE

When it comes to PPE-related skin issues, prevention is far easier than recovery. Looking after your hands doesn’t have to be time-consuming — it just needs to be consistent. Whether you’re using a barrier cream, switching to gentler gloves, or moisturising more mindfully, these small steps add up to healthier skin and a safer workday.

If you rely on gloves and sanitiser daily, your hands are doing more than you realise — and they deserve a little care in return. Protecting your skin isn’t vanity; it’s a form of self-care that supports your health, comfort, and wellbeing.