Latex Exam Gloves and Latex Allergies

Disposable latex gloves are important pieces of work gear for many people, most notably doctors and other health care professionals. And, unfortunately, latex allergies are becoming more and more common, due in part to the widespread use of the material in hospitals.

Latex exam gloves, though very useful in preventing contact with any number of unpleasant substances, can cause Type I and Type IV hypersensitivity reactions, as well as irritant contact dermatitis. The type of latex that causes these allergic reactions is used in far more than just medical exam gloves--over 40,000 products, from balloons to Band-Aids to bowling balls, use some form of latex--so it's important to know how to spot a latex allergy to avoid any potentially serious complications.

You may have been born with a latex allergy, but unless you're regularly and repeatedly exposed to latex, you probably haven't noticed. Getting poked and prodded by a doctor's latex glove-encased hand at your yearly physical probably won't trigger the onset of your allergy, but being a doctor and wearing the gloves every day probably will. Also, if you're at the hospital frequently, say for multiple surgeries or if you often visit a habitually ill friend (and you like to steal gloves), it's likely that a latex allergy will be triggered.

Strangely enough, people with allergies to fruits such as bananas, kiwis, and pineapples are often also allergic to latex, so if any of these fruits cause allergic reactions, you may have a latex allergy as well-the fact that these fruits were likely handled by someone wearing latex gloves at some point surely doesn't help. Allergic reactions can range from minor, immediate skin irritation, to a delayed-reaction skin rash similar in severity and discomfort to poison ivy exposure, to immediate and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis (similar to deadly bee-sting allergies).

As with most allergens, avoidance is the best way to prevent latex allergy flare ups. But, if you work in a hospital or dentist's office and use disposable gloves regularly, or work in one of the many other occupations that involve frequent latex exposure (a balloon factory, perhaps), it's likely nigh-impossible for you to avoid it. There are other options, however.

Some varieties of latex exam gloves are made with low levels of allergy-inducing proteins-these aren't 100% safe for the latex-allergic, but are far less likely to cause irritation. Powder-free latex exam gloves have been shown to greatly reduce airborne latex particles, which can be helpful in preventing the onset of a latex allergy. There are also several varieties of non-latex exam gloves, which offer similar levels of protection without the danger of any allergic reaction. If you're one of the many people who suffer from latex allergies, fear not--your day's work as a doctor, dentist or balloonsmith does not have to be an unpleasant, allergenic affair.