Allergies and skin reactions related to gloves

IIntroduction

3 types of reactions to the use of gloves

Regular contact with latex gloves (housework or medical profession) may give rise to allergic or non-allergic reactions whose mechanisms and clinical presentation vary:
  • allergy to the proteins constituting latex, type I
  • allergy mainly to latex additive chemicals, type IV
  • non-allergic reactions of an irritative type which may constitute a portal of entry for allergic reactions.
The table below summarizes the main characteristics of such reactions. Non-allergic reactions are certainly more frequent but type I allergy is the most feared due to the occurrence, rare but still possible, of anaphylactic shock in sensitized subjects.
In the mechanisms of these reactions, corn starch powder used to lubricate latex gloves can play an important role as an irritant and/or allergen vector.
TypeClinical signs and symptomsCauseRemarks
Type I allergy Immediate reaction (a few minutes), local or general, of variable intensity: - contact urticaria - asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis - anaphylactic shock. Direct or air-borne contact with latex proteins during medical or dental examination, or surgical procedures.Prevalence: up to 17% of hospital staff.10% of dermatological symptoms. (NETTIS E et al.) Most allergies occur only after repeated contact with the allergen.There are no allergic manifestations if there has been no prior direct or air-borne contact.
Type IV allergy Delayed reaction (occurring 2 to 4 days after exposure and resolving upon discontinuation of use of gloves). Acute, then chronic eczema. Cell reaction to the additive chemicals used in glove manufacture.Prevalence: 10% of the dermatological phenomena observed. This type of reaction may affect any subject without an allergic background No antibody production.
Non-allergic reactions Irritative dermatitis difficult to differentiate from eczema of allergic aetiology. Progressive onset. Resolves with discontinuation of contact.All acts rendering the cutaneous barrier fragile: washing, brushing, detergents. Heat, maceration, erosion due to powder.Prevalence: non-immunological phenomenon certainly constituting the most frequent complication of latex glove wearing: 80% of the dermatological symptoms observed create conditions conducive to allergy (breach of the cutaneous barrier).
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