Italian designer Francesco Musci has created a set of latex fingertip covers designed to protect wearers' hands from greasy food and other substances.

The disposable sheaths, described by the designer as finger condoms, are made from hypoallergenic latex and have been designed to roll down to just above the knuckle.

"How many times do you rub your fingers on your clothes whilst eating a packet of crisps?" said Musci, who studied product design at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera and now works as a freelance designer in Milan.

"Imagine spending the day whilst on public transport, whilst in the office or shaking hands and finally you wish to taste your snack," added the designer.

"Condoms in their original use are ergonomic and easily adaptable as they are made of latex," said Musci. "I shifted the idea to work for our fingers, changing its size and density of colour, to avoid them being transparent."

Available in a range of contrasting colours, Musci has suggested that a set of five Tidy Tips could be included with packets of greasy or messy food like crisps.

The coverings could also be used to protect smartphone screens while being used, or stop wearers from getting paint or ink on their hands. Photographs of the products in use show wearers picking their noses, rubbing teeth and squeezing pimples.

Condoms have proved a surprising source of inspiration for designers, with art collective Luz Interruptus finding a new use for them in light installations, and Czech designer Jan Vacek borrowing their tubular shape to create a collection of pendant lamps.

Others have attempted to improve the experience of using condoms. British designer Ben Pawle proposed a condom wrapper that would allow people with disabilities to open it using a simple finger-clicking action.

Dutch designer Jurgen Bey also created an applicator to speed up the process of putting a condom on.

Tidy Tips were shown at The Exhibition: Unbound London, which ran from 30 November to 1 December 2015.

Photography is by Sina Pouyan and Michele Mancano.