Healthcare workers may experience some type of reactions
to gloves but may not know the specific cause.
The guide below is helpful in identifying the causes and solutions.
Latex
Reactions to Latex
Natural rubber latex is a key component of many healthcare products including medical
gloves. There are thousands of consumer products that also contain latex such as
clothes, adhesives, paint, rubber bands, etc. and avoidance of latex entirely can
be almost impossible. Latex allergic individuals may typically suffer from a Type
I allergic reaction to the latex proteins found in all natural rubber latex products.
Symptoms may include an immediate reaction to latex gloves, respiratory problems,
itchy eyes, runny nose and hives. All natural lubber latex gloves contain latex
proteins but some gloves are specially processed to minimize protein levels. Latex
allergic individuals should use non-latex gloves and it is suggested in the literature
that their coworkers should use powder-free latex gloves or non-latex gloves to
prevent aeroallergen transmission.
Chemicals
Reactions to Chemicals
Manufacturers use a variety of chemicals to produce both latex and non-latex gloves.
These chemicals include accelerators such as thiurams, carbamates and mercaptobenzothiazole
that help to speed the curing process, antiozonates, antioxidants such as BHA and
BHT and preservatives such as formaldehyde. Different manufacturers use different
chemical combinations and nearly all manufacturers leach and wash their gloves to
minimize residual chemicals in the final product. Chemical allergic individuals
may suffer from a Type IV delayed reaction. Symptoms may appear within six to forty-eight
hours and may be limited to the area of exposure and may include dry, thickened
skin, scabbing sores, papules, peeling and vesicles. Chemical allergic individuals
should use gloves that do not utilize the causative agent or gloves that have demonstrated
a reduced potential for reaction in individuals sensitized to the causative agent.
Powders
Reactions to Glove Powders
Cornstarch powder is used to detackify gloves and to aid in donning. Surprisingly,
true allergic reactions to cornstarch powder are rare. However, cornstarch powder
applied natural rubber latex gloves will bind with latex protein and can carry these
allergens to the user. Powder can also irritate and dry the skin, a situation often
confused with an allergic reaction. Users irritated by glove powders should switch
to powder-free gloves.
Other
Other Types of Reactions
Skin reactions on the hands are not always caused by gloves. Clinicians can experience
irritation or allergies from insufficient hand rinsing, disinfectants, soaps, hand
lotion etc.
Solving the Problem
The best way to identify the source of reaction is to see an allergist or dermatologist.
Once the causative agent is identified, exposure should be minimized or eliminated.
Powder-free gloves are recommended over powdered gloves, in general. Latex allergic
individuals should switch to non-latex gloves. Chemical allergic individuals should
switch to gloves that have demonstrated a reduced potential for reaction in individuals
sensitized to the causative agent.
* When used within accordance with published guideline.
