A
rubber glove is a
glove made out of
rubber. Rubber gloves can be unsupported (rubber only) or supported (rubber coating of textile glove). Its primary purpose is protection of the hands while performing tasks involving chemicals. Rubber gloves can be worn during
dishwashing to protect the hands from
detergent and allow the use of hotter water. Sometimes caregivers will use rubber gloves during the
diaper changing process to prevent contact with the child's fecal material/urine.
Health professionals use
medical gloves rather than rubber gloves when performing surgical operations.