Human skin is the primary barrier against microbes, toxins, and physical injury. In equine veterinary care, gloves spare humans from exposure to harmful organisms, toxins, and pharmaceuticals such as progesterone analogs and other hormone products, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral sedatives, and antimicrobial drugs.

In 1994, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published personal protective equipment standards (29 Code of Federal Regulations) to regulate workplace protection with a focus on respiratory protection. Hand protection and workplace clothing have been the subjects of minimal regulation.

Disposable gloves are made of different materials with different levels of protection. The typical rectal palpation glove prevents skin contact with feces, but does not protect against substances such as bleach. A latex glove keeps hands clean when dealing with body fluids, but provides little skin protection against chemicals.

Glove protection has several measures. Penetration refers to punctures or tears in the glove. Permeation describes the ability of a substance to pass through an intact glove without damaging the glove material and is measured by breakthrough time (BTT). Degradation indicates alteration of the physical properties of the glove material upon exposure to chemicals