Latex Gloves
Disposable latex gloves play an essential role in helping to protect you
against infectious diseases, but some people are allergic to the gloves themselves.
If you do not know if you are allergic to latex, do not hesitate to use latex
gloves — the risk of allergic reaction is far less than the risk of
bloodborne diseases. If you think you may be allergic, see “Testing
and Diagnosis” below. If you already know that you have a latex allergy,
the law states that you must be provided with non-latex gloves (speak with
your principal or UFT chapter leader).
See instructions on how
to remove disposable gloves after use.
There are three types of allergic reactions that can occur when using latex products:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis — a skin irritation caused from the effects of wearing protective gloves. It comes from:
- Using antiseptics or continually washing the hands, which can dry out the skin.
- Powders used in the manufacturing process of gloves.
- Sweating or rubbing under the gloves.
Symptoms may include redness, swelling, dryness, cracking, scaling and blistering. Wearing cotton liners under the gloves may help prevent the reaction.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis — caused by the chemicals used during the glove manufacturing process. This reaction acts like poison ivy, producing a rash or blisters, which begin to form one to two days after exposure. Wearing cotton liners may provide some protection.
Latex Allergy — Less common than irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Caused by an allergy to the proteins in latex, latex allergy can produce severe reactions:
- In many cases, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis may be experienced first.
- Damaged or broken skin reduces the effectiveness of the skin as a protective barrier, allowing proteins and chemicals to enter the bloodstream.
- Once becoming “sensitized” to latex, even brief exposures can trigger an allergic reaction.
- It is not always necessary to contact the latex. Latex proteins can become attached to the powders in latex gloves and become airborne when gloves are removed and then may be inhaled.
An allergic reaction can occur immediately after exposure, such as:
- Skin flushing
- Hives
- Itching
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Asthma
- Anaphylactic shock
- Death
Certain things other than latex exposure may also trigger a reaction, such as:
- Avocados, chestnuts, apricots and kiwi
- Multiple surgeries, especially at an early age, that caused an exposure to latex products
- Allergies, such as hay fever, may be an increased risk
TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS
If you suspect an allergy, have a doctor make an evaluation as soon as possible, since further exposure could result in more serious health problems. Diagnosis is mad through the medical history and by conducting a skin or blood test.
To prevent latex allergy and control exposure to latex products:
- Reduce or eliminate exposure to latex by using alternative glove materials, such as polyethylene, vinyl or synthetics whenever possible.
- Switch to low-protein, powder-free latex gloves.
- Use cotton glove liners to minimize direct contact with latex and other chemicals contained in gloves.