Latex Allergy - What gloves can I wear if I am allergic to latex?

$Introduction$

$Glossary$

$What is latex allergy?$

$History of latex allergy$

$What things contain latex?$

$How common is latex allergy?$

$What will happen to me if I have an allergic reaction?$

$How is latex allergy diagnosed?$

$Is latex allergy serious?$

$Does latex allergy go away?$

$What can I do to help prevent an allergic reaction to latex?$

$How are allergic reactions to latex treated?$

$How do hospitals deal with latex allergy?$

$What gloves are used in healthcare?$

$What should I do when I visit the dentist?$

$How will latex allergy affect my daily life?$

$Can people with latex allergy also have food allergy?$

$What gloves can I wear if I am allergic to latex?$

$Why is glove powder a problem?$

$Frequently Asked Questions$

$Where can I get further information?$

>> What gloves can I wear if I am allergic to latex?

People who are allergic to latex should not wear any gloves that contain natural rubber latex (NRL). This includes:

‘surgical’ latex gloves, which as well as being used in the healthcare environment, are also often used in other places such as the food industry, hairdressing salons and garages
‘household’ rubber gloves that are labelled as containing ‘natural rubber’

Synthetic rubber gloves such as those made from nitrile or neoprene are safe for people with latex allergy, as long as

you are not also allergic to rubber chemicals, which are used in the manufacture of both natural and synthetic rubber gloves (see 'What is latex allergy?')
NRL is not added by the company during the manufacturing process of nitrile gloves – we think this is unlikely to happen in the UK, but it has been reported elsewhere (1)

Vinyl or PVC gloves do not contain any latex allergens and are safe for people with latex allergy, although they do not provide adequate barrier protection if you are exposed to blood or body fluids, for which nitrile or neoprene is a better option.

Polythene gloves are best reserved for handling foods, and are safe for people with latex allergy.

Drying and irritation of the skin from wearing any kind of glove is a very common problem due to occlusion and friction caused by the glove. This is often made worse by occupational exposure to wet work, solvents and chemicals, or in those who have to wash their hands frequently. A good hand care regimen which includes regular use of a moisturising cream or ointment is important to prevent this from happening.

Bibliography

(1) Prevention of latex allergy among health care workers: evaluation of the extractable latex protein content in different types of medical gloves