Surgical hats, also known as scrub caps, are specially designed headwears for medical staff, especially surgeons. Surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia wear these caps while dealing with their patients to protect them from germs and contamination of the sterile area. Scrub caps are a very important Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to prevent the surgical site from any contamination.
Surgical caps were first invented in the 1960s by a nurse. At first, they were made of cotton and polyester. Later the design was changed to make it comfortable for the wearer, and cotton was replaced with nylon. Nowadays, these caps have elastic bands already sewn to them, so your size is nothing to worry about. Surgical hats have different colors, denoting the role of the wearer. Generally, green is worn by nurses, surgeons wear blue, and white is used for anesthesia.
What are scrub hats?
The scrub hat is an essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) worn during surgery to protect hair, skin, and other debris from infection. It is worn to protect blood products and other serums from hair. They are made of medical-grade silicone and last upto 24 hours after being worn. These caps must be discarded after use in the surgical process to avoid contamination. A scrub hat protects the head from scars, hair loss, etc. They have such a unique design which provides protection and comfort. Skull caps are mostly used in healthcare environments like veterinarians, dentists, dental assistants, etc. The disposable hair caps are multipurpose and can be worn in factories, hair salons, house cleaning, and food services.
Why wear a hair cap?
It is important to wear a scrub cap in the operation theater because the patient’s immune system is at its weakest, and contamination of the sterile area cannot be compromised. Sanitizing and maintaining a hygienic environment in the operation theater is paramount. Any surgeons, assistant doctors, or other staff involved in the process is advised to follow all the precautionary measures, so the patient remains safe from infection.Wearing a scrub cap has a positive effect on patients. It protects the hairs from falling on patients during surgery. Moreover, there is a risk of getting cuts from the scissors while operating, so it protects patients and surgeons. Additionally, it prevents sweat from dripping into the eyes, which may otherwise result in irritation and blindness.
It is worn in bakery shops or food manufacturing areas to prevent hairs or other microorganisms from falling from the scalp into the food. The use of bouffant caps is considered a basic hygienic measure. These caps are also used in house cleaning to prevent dust and other dirt from falling into hairs and ears. It also makes hair styling so easy and fast.
What are the types of surgical hats?
Depending on the use, length of hair, and job, several types of scrub caps are available. These are used by medical personnel and in places where hygiene is important. For example, bakery shops, food manufacturing places, house cleaning, and hair salons. Following are some types of surgical caps:
Disposable Bouffant Cap
Bouffant caps are used in work areas where sterility is important, like laboratories, medical facilities, and clean rooms. They are breathable and have a puffy shape and elastic design, ensuring maximum comfort. They are stretchable and can be stretched to the ears for more protection. The disposable bouffant caps are eco-friendly and made of non-woven polypropylene, which makes them gentle on hair. Moreover, the closed design helps prevent sweat from dripping down the face and causing irritation.
Disposable cap
These types of caps are used in places where there is a high risk of contamination and infections. So these caps are discarded after use. Disposable caps are typically made of paper or cloth. They protect the surgeon’s hair from dirt and blood.
Pixie Surgical cap
These caps are ideal for someone with short hair as they are close-fitting and do not have extra space. They are made of cotton and latex and can be reused.
Ponytail scrub cap
These caps are mostly suitable for long hairs as they have an opening in the back to place hairs. They also have a pouch where one can tuck their hair. These are made in a different range of colors and materials.
How to put on a surgical hat?
Wearing a skull cap can be only effective if you wear them right. To wear a surgical hat correctly, you should follow these steps:
- Tie your hair properly in a ponytail or bun.
- Open the folded cap, expand its elasticity, and place it on your head, covering all hairs.
- In the case of a pony scrub cap, cinch the ribbon to make a pouch. Place the cap on your forehead with a pouch on the back. If it is a cap with elastic, put it on your forehead.
- Push your ponytail into the pouch or elastic area at the back. Tie the ribbons in the case of a pony scrub cap and cross them under your bun and tie them again.
- A snug fit is created at the back of your head with your hair inside.
- Tuck any small hairs hanging out of the cap for a neater look.
How to wear a scrub cap with long hair?
If you have long hair, your options for the caps may be limited. Long hair does not mean you squeeze all hairs inside the cap; you can choose a bigger-sized elastic cap with more room at the back for your long hair. Ponytail cap or bouffant cap is the best option as they have more room at their back, and you can easily tuck your hair inside it. You can also opt for a ponytail surgical hat; it has an opening at the back to tie your hair.
Why is it important to wear a skullcap while having surgery?
It is recommended to wear a skull cap while having surgery. This prevents getting infected by debris and maintains the sterilization of the operating area. Moreover, it protects the scalp from getting injured or burned by contact with any sharp or hot metal medical equipment.
How to sew a scrub cap?
You can sew your cap with the fabric that you like. All you need is cotton fabric and some elastic bands. You can find tutorials on YouTube and sew caps of your style matching your outfit. Besides this, there are many online PDFs available with cutouts. You can print them and cut the fabric using them. You can add an elastic band or a tie at the back to the cap to tighten it. Sew them together, and you will have a cap of your design. Remember to wash the fabric cap after every use to prevent contamination. To avoid this hustle, buy comfortable, durable, disposable surgical caps from Zhengxin Group. We have a variety of designs and styles available.
Why should you dispose of the cap after use?
It is important to dispose of the cap after use. Please do not throw it directly into the trash. Always dispose of used surgical caps where children or pets have no reach. The used skull hats have contaminations and germs, which might spread if they come in contact with other things, so maintaining a sterile environment is necessary.
FAQs?
Most frequent questions and answers
Surgeons wear skull caps before surgery to keep hairs from falling on the patient’s wound.
If you are using a reusable surgical gat, it should be washed after each use as there are chances of contamination and germs sticking to it.
You can wash a scrub cap very easily!! Separate colored scrub caps and wash with hands in cold water. Cold water ensures that color remains the same and cotton does not shrink.
Scrub cap, skull cap, surgical hat, and Bouffant cap are the most common names used for surgical caps.
Conclusion
Surgical hats are an important part of your uniform. They help protect the patient and surgeon as well. Besides this, they provide a more hygienic environment. A medical professional must prevent his patient from contamination and safeguard his health. You should keep several surgical caps always to have one when needed.
Do you need to buy a bouffant cap, or is there some specific cap that you are looking for? Our customer service is right here!! You can contact us. We will provide you with the best assistance and high-quality caps.
Bibliography
1. A Concise Guide to Choose the Right Surgical Hat. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.researchdive.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-surgical-hat
2. Everything You Need to Know About Surgical Hats. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.researchdive.com/blog/a-guide-on-surgical-hats-definition-importance-and-types
3. How to Put on the Pony Scrub Hat. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.blueskyscrubs.com/pages/how-to-put-on-the-pony-scrub-hat.html
4. Surgical Scrubs Caps: What You Need to Know. (2022, January 16). Simply Scrubs Australia. https://simplyscrubs.com.au/blogs/news/surgical-scrubs-caps
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