[redhat]

hi all, my question is twofold concerning a) recommended gloves (if any) b) how do u clean them (if at all). why is because I've now had for the third time some kind of allergic reaction the doc calls cheiropompholyx (just means little blisters) - see this link: http://www.answers.com/topic/dyshidrosis?cat=health
i use loads of gloves: rigger type, leather/suede reinforced with and without lining,waterproof,rubber coated, etc  and now use thin cotton gloves inside them. i work on the allotment several hours each day and have been digging a new allotment for weeks on and off as well as my old one all year. gloves get filthy and wet and full of sweat. used just to rotate them while they dried out but now i guess i need to clean and disinfect them in case of somekind of fungal allergy? Maybe use somekinda barrier cream? Any tips?

[Trillium]

Silcone creams are supposed to be good barriers for problems like yours.  Don't know if the UK sells retail creams for protecting cows' udders. They're a huge seller here for outdoor workers. The top seller is called Bag Balm, another is Udderly (somethingorother). They really do work if a bit sticky inside gloves.
I use only leather gloves for heavy work and when they get fairly mucked up I just soak them in a bowl of water with some liquid dish soap, squish them later, rinse well and hang to dry. They're stiff at first but soon soften up. Hard to believe I wear out 2 prs every summer.

[Rob the rake]

I could use some of that bag balm for me betty swollocks in the summer!

[Cynara]

  Looks like you got away with that one so far Rob  

[Rob the rake]

Aunty must be having a lie in. But did you see those eyes she's watching us with? Fit to make you shiver!

[gobs]

 

Would have been an udder surprise if that cream did not get a few comments.

[richyrich7]

Best barrier cream I've ever used is Derma shield and you can get it on prescription if you talk nicely to the Doc  

check out the video on the links bit

[Aunt Sally]

Aunty must be having a lie in. But did you see those eyes she's watching us with? Fit to make you shiver!

You may well shiver dear  

[redhat]

thanks to trillium and richyrich7. will check out these products and see if the doc will prescribe dermashield. any thoughts on best/favourite gloves? i've tried the bionic xtreme and their good but fiddly to take on and off alot with the wrist strap so i prefer large rigger types with thinsulate insides. what about best ways to clean them, i'm sending to the us for some leather cleaner that is used in washing machines to clean leather chaps and to keep them supple: http://www.leathertherapy.com/solution.html
anybody here got any tips?

[WG.]

I just use disposable PVC ones.  A pair lasts all day unless I am doing something very heavy (and then I wear them inside heavier gloves).

(awaits scolding about not being environmentally sound)

[Trillium]

I could use some of that bag balm for me betty swollocks in the summer!

When they get itchy enough, if you could buy it, you'd be using the udder cream   Udders have the same problems of sweating and freezing    The creams were at first carried only by poncy garden suppliers, but now most retail stores stock them regularly.

[noshed]

Can't see the point of rubber gloves. I just use rigger gloves and ones with lining for the winter. Mostly I don't wear any and scare people with my dirty hands.

[DD.]

Mostly I don't wear any and scare people with my dirty hands.

Ditto - only ever wear them for thorny problems.

[gobs]

Mostly I don't wear any and scare people with my dirty hands.

Ditto - only ever wear them for thorny problems.

When Henry finds this out! You shall get plastic bottle work gear for Christmas presie. :roll:  

[WG.]

Mostly I don't wear any and scare people with my dirty hands.

Ditto - only ever wear them for thorny problems.

When Henry finds this out! You shall get plastic bottle work gear for Christmas presie. :roll:  

  and a free copy of his latest best-seller, "Knives and how not to handle them"