Latex gloves allergy symptoms

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

An allergy is an incorrect response by the immune system. In the case of latex, the immune system mistakes proteins found in natural rubber latex for something that is harmful to the body. When this happens, the immune system triggers the body to create antibodies that are matched to the latex protein in order to fight off the perceived invader. The next time the body is exposed to latex, the antibodies trigger the release of histamine which produces the standard symptoms of an allergic reaction including itching, rash, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, or difficulty breathing. A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylactic shock, can cause wheezing or difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure which can be fatal.

Latex allergies tend to get worse with repeated exposure to latex. Some items that contain latex include gloves, balloons, condoms, bandages, baby bottle nipples, elastic, and spandex. Latex gloves used in health care are a common trigger for latex allergies and researchers have suspected that powdered latex gloves had a higher association with latex allergy. Powdered and powder-free gloves have the same basic latex composition. Powdered gloves have a small amount of cornstarch powder in the gloves to make it easier to get the tight-fitting gloves on and off. The powder itself does not pose a risk, but when powdered gloves are removed, some of the powder becomes airborne, carrying particles of latex with it.

I hope this has helped,
Susan