Latex Disposable Gloves (Powdered/Powder Free) provide appropriate barrier protection when handling infectious materials.

What are the types of latex reactions?
 1. IgE-mediated allergic reactions (Type I).- An IgE-mediated latex allergy is an allergy to natural rubber latex proteins.

2. Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (Type IV).- This type of reaction is usually due to sensitivity to chemicals used to make latex products, rather than to rubber proteins (i.e. Nitrile Gloves).

3. Irritant dermatitis.- It is a common reaction to natural rubber latex, but it is not an allergy. Irritant contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that breaks out where latex has touched your skin.

How common is latex allergy?
– From about 1% to 6% of the general population.
– Less than 1% of people in the US have a latex allergy. Although latex allergy is rare, the condition is more common in certain high-risk groups.

Recommendations:
a. Use powder-free gloves with reduced protein content.
b. Do not use oil-based hand creams or lotions (which can cause glove deterioration) unless they have been shown to reduce latex-related problems and maintain glove barrier protection.

Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)