Surgical caps, also known as scrub caps, as they’re commonly referred to, are surgical hats designed for surgeons to be used in operating theatres to avoid infected sterile regions. These days, surgical hats have been constructed to reflect the wearer’s purpose and the job they are expected to fulfill. There is a constant debate about which of the two styles of surgical caps to wear, which has brought the topic of wearing surgical caps to the spotlight.
Cleaning and maintaining hygiene in operating theaters is a requirement. Because the health of the patient is at its lowest when they are being operated on, and their immunity could be easily and rapidly affected.
Therefore, surgeons, assistant doctors, and other ancillary personnel working in operating theaters must be aware of various precautions to ensure the patient is protected and safe from even the tiniest of illnesses. In this regard, specially-designed equipment and clothing are created to protect medical professionals operating in theaters, including surgical helmets.
Do you have a reason why you should wear a scrub hat?
It is vital to wear a surgical cap when you enter the operating room as the patient’s immune system could be weakest, and pollution of the area isn’t an issue. Maintaining a clean and secure environment in the operating room is vital.
Any surgeon, assistant doctor, or other staff member participating in the procedure should know the safety measures to shield the patient from infections. Wearing scrub caps may have negative effects on patients.
It Protects patients from hairs falling on them during surgery. It also reduces the chance of a surgical tool cutting you. It is for this reason that both surgeons and patients benefit from it. Besides preventing sweat from getting into the eyes, it also keeps them cool. In some cases, this can lead to irritation and even blindness.
It is commonly used in bakeries or food production areas to prevent hairs or other microorganisms from dropping off the scalp to the food. Bouffant caps are regarded as an essential hygiene precaution. They can also be used for cleaning your home to prevent dust and dirt from getting into hairs and ear canals. They can also benefit from hair styling and fast.
What are the different types and styles of caps for surgical use?
To fulfill the function, the hair is long and has a variety of scrub caps readily available. They are used by medical professionals and in other settings where hygiene is a must. Various examples of companies include bakeries, factories for food production, house cleaning services, and hair salons. Here are a few types of surgical caps:
- Disposable Bouffant Cap
Bouffant caps are typically employed in environments requiring sterility like medical facilities, laboratories, and clean rooms. They are breathable and come with an elastic shape and a puffy shape that offers you the perfect comfort. They can be stretched out to the ear for more protection. The bouffant caps used for disposables are made from non-woven polypropylene. They are gentle on hair. In addition, the closed style prevents sweat from leaking onto the face and causing irritation.
- Disposable cap
These surgical caps are used in areas with an increased risk of contamination and infection. They are then removed when they are no longer in use. Disposable caps are typically comprised of paper or cloth. They shield the surgical surgeon’s hair from dirt and blood.
- Pixie Surgical cap
This Surgical cap is ideal for hair that is shorter because they’re tight-fitting and don’t require any more space. They’re made of cotton and latex and can be reused.
- Ponytail scrub cap
These caps are appropriate for hair of long lengths because they feature an opening in the back to allow hair to be put in. They also have an opening inside the pouch, allowing the user to put hair.
How do you put on scrub caps if you’ve got long hair?
It can be difficult to locate caps that will fit long hair, especially if you have long hair. Long hair does not necessarily mean you can fit all hairs into the cap. It is possible to choose an elastic cap that offers more space in the back to accommodate long hair.
A bouffant cap, also known as a ponytail cap, is the best option since it gives more space for your back and makes it simple to tie your hair around. You can also select the surgical hat for your ponytail, which opens in the back and permits you to tie your hair.
Is a cloth surgical hat more comfortable than a bouffant cap?
Amidst the many fascinating discussions that are taking place in the medical community currently, the scrub caps that are available in the market for surgical hats are superior- an embroidered surgical hat made of cloth or bouffant caps. While surgical hats leave parts of the ear and the back part of your head unprotected, bouffant caps are fitted caps made of polyester that protect the head completely and leave no area of the ears or head unprotected.
The debate started because the American College of Surgeons issued guidelines that recommended the use of surgical caps, and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses suggested that bouffant caps be used within operating rooms. To stop the arguments, several studies were carried out by various research institutes, universities and colleges.
According to some institutes, including those at NorthWestern College, Iowa, cloth surgical hats are more effective in achieving the goals when combined with bouffant hats. The debate was ended temporarily thanks to a study published by the National Library of Medicine which declares that neither cap has demonstrated an advantage in reducing surgical site infections (SSI) decrease over another, which means they are both equally effective in protecting sterile operating rooms. But, enough renowned institutions have yet to publish their outcome, and the argument is likely to heat up again once the payoff is released.