For health workers, gloves are recommended for protection from contracting infections and microorganisms when handling blood and bodily fluids. Since the AIDS outbreak during the 1980s, glove usage has dramatically increased in the health care setting, and so did the allergic reactions elicited from wearing latex medical gloves.

Understanding Glove Allergies

Despite their use, latex gloves can cause several types of hypersensitivity reactions—allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and the classical allergic (IgE-mediated) reaction.

Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction: Immediate Allergic Reactions

The production of latex gloves entails a number of chemicals bound together through various vulcanizing and molding processes. Among them, Hevea proteins are thought to be the major cause of allergic reactions from latex medical gloves.

The addition of cornstarch powder for easy glove donning and removal has also made latex proteins easier to be transmitted to the person wearing them. It binds with the proteins from the glove allowing the proteins to become airborne. When the proteins gain entry to the respiratory tract, the body’s immune system automatically produces IgE antibodies to counter the foreign material upon subsequent exposures. Human perspiration also causes proteins to be readily absorbed through the skin. The same immune responses follow.

Latex glove allergy usually manifests with the following symptoms within minutes following exposure:

• runny nose
• nasal congestion
• watery and itchy eyes
• sneezing
• coughing
• wheezing
• difficulty of breathing
• itching
• swelling of the site of contact
• rashes

Type 1 allergic reactions are often fatal as they may become complicated and lead to anaphylaxis.

Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction: Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed response of the immune system to one or more chemicals found in latex gloves, often the mercaptobenzothiazoles or mercapto compounds (MBT). Unlike Type 1 hypersensitivity, allergic contact dermatitis is mediated by T cells present near the area of contact. Once sensitized, in the attempt to ward off the invaders, the T cells attract macrophages that release enzymes that cause tissue damage at the site. Expect to see red, itchy rashes, swelling, and blisters over the area—24-72 hours after glove exposure.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is not exactly an allergic reaction, but an irritation of the skin brought about by mechanical trauma to the hands secondary to frequent using of gloves. Swelling and vesicles may appear at the back of the hands and wrists.

What your Doctor can do for you

To determine the presence latex glove allergies, the patient will undergo a laboratory tests in conjunction with a medical history. Skin patch and prick testing are useful in identifying the culprits in most allergies. RAST provides a more specific value without the risk of provoking an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

If latex allergy is suspected, the person will be inhibited from wearing latex gloves and medical devices that contain latex. Furthermore, the person will be provided with a Medic Alert bracelet to inform health workers to use only latex-free instruments like vinyl synthetic gloves or nitrile exam gloves.

What you can do

Anything that has to do with latex should be avoided. Choose the right type of glove that offers barrier protection and comfort for the wearer. Do not store gloves under extremes of temperature as this may increase the degradation process. Always wash your hands properly after using medical gloves to remove some of the allergens and irritants that may stick to your skin.