Allergies to Latex Medical Gloves

Occasionally, a glove user may experience discomfort in the hands during or after wearing latex gloves. It has been knows for decades that some people are allergic to natural rubber products, either with immediate contact urticaria from the natural proteins in the rubber,or with delayed contact dermatitis from the compounding chemicals like Thiuram used during glove manufacture.

Delayed dermatitis is easily verified with dermatological patch tests, but latex glove contact urticaria is more difficult because the natural protein allergen has not been accurately enough defined for a standardized skin test.

Potentially life threatening

A feature of contact urticaria is that most patients have a history of atopic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema. It is also obvious that an eluted allergen can more easily penetrate eczematous skin. The symptoms of contact urticaria may vary from mild itching to severe systemic reactions like generalized urticaria, facial swelling, Rhinoconjunctivitis, gastrointestinal and oto-rhino-laryngeal symptoms, asthma, or even anaphylaxis.

All latex gloves contain allergens, but studies show that some gloves are extensively leached to lower their protein content to a level where even latex-sensitive people can wear them.

If a reaction to gloves or glove powder is suspected, a dermatologist should be consulted to identify the allergen.

If severe systemic reaction is expected, all contact with latex products should be avoided. This applies to atopic patients with a history of contact urticaria during surgical procedures, and who may be sensitized to catheters, cuffs, tubes, rubber sheets, and even rebreathing bellows.

For further information on this subject, contact your Ansell representative.

1. Turjanmaa et al; Exogenous Dermatoses; environmental dermatitis: CRC Press Boston; Chapter 26, 317.