Proteins
Proteins are
naturally found in the rubber tree itself. While proteins have a
purpose in the life of the tree, for glove manufacturing it is
thought that they can be removed and not affect the characteristics of
the product. However, we are unaware of any manufacturing company
producing protein-free latex gloves.
Irritations
(Non-Allergy)
Symptoms
- Itching,
burning, redness (acute)
- Dryness,
crusting, cracking, formation of hard bumps (chronic)
- Symptoms
will present only on skin areas covered by the glove
Possible Causes
- Manufacturing
Chemicals
- Soaps,
antiseptics, scrub solutions and disinfectants
- Atmosphere
- cold, wind, aridity
- Improper
hand washing and drying
Treatment
- Identify
and discontinue use of causative factor
- Allow
time for your hands to heal
- Consider
soaps etc. as well as the gloves as potential causes
- Take
steps to improve hand care practices
Type IV or Contact
Dermatitis (Chemical Allergy)
Symptoms
- May
present as itching, dryness, redness, crusting, swelling, hives
vesicles/blisters, papules and/or sores
- Symptoms
will present 1 - 2 days following contact
- In
chronic cases these symptoms may spread beyond the area of glove
contact to other sites on the body
- There
is no respiratory or facial involvement, nor will the symptoms progress
to anaphylaxis
- These
symptoms will diminish within two weeks of discontinuing use
Possible Causes
- Manufacturing
Chemicals
- Soaps,
detergents, antiseptics, and disinfectants
- Other
allergies and/or chronic eczema
Treatment
- Identify
and discontinue use of causative factor
- Allow
time for your hands to heal
- Consult
with a dermatologist to select an alternative glove type (formulated
for chemical allergies)
Type I (Protein Allergy)
Symptoms
- A
rash or hives (urticaria) located anywhere on the body
- Accompanying
respiratory affection (wheezing, difficult breathing)
- Swelling
of the facial area
- Possible
abdominal cramping, nausea and increased pulse
- Symptoms
will present within minutes of contact with a latex product
Possible Causes
- Natural
Rubber Latex protein allergy
- Cross
reactivity to certain food allergies (kiwi fruit, bananas, chestnuts,
avocado)
- Affection
through skin contact, mucous membrane or wound contact, and/or
injection aspiration
Treatment
- Identify
and discontinue use of causative factor
- Seek
professional medical attention. Treatment with adrenaline/epinephrine
may be required in the case of
anaphylactic shock (rarely occurs)
- Diagnostic
testing involves a Skin Prick Test
- Avoid
all contact with natural rubber latex, both at work and at home
- Consult
with a dermatologist to select an alternative glove type (latex free)
* This is to serve
only as a general evaluation and information reference, if suspected of
potential allergy, please consult
with your physicians for professional treatments.
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