Informing Our Customers On Latex Sensitivity
Recently, healthcare workers and the public have become more concerned about bloodborne pathogens and how they spread. Latex gloves provide a primary form of protection. For medical and laboratory use, many Latex gloves are made of natural rubber latex (NRL). NRL is a highly durable and flexible material that provides a high measure of protection against pathogens and environmental contaminants.
NRL gloves are popular for hand protection, but some people have experienced irritations or adverse reactions when using them. These adverse reactions typically manifest in skin conditions, delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV), or immediate hypersensitivity (Type I).
Irritation: Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Description
A non-allergic response is usually due to insufficient rinsing of hands or body area in contact with an NRL product. Irritation can also be caused by residual processing chemicals used in manufacturing NRL products. This condition can be mistaken for a similar condition caused by different chemicals in other products, not just NRL products. Examples of agents that may cause irritation are skin cleansing agents, disinfecting agents, and preservatives.
Symptoms
Usually, symptoms include redness or a dry and itchy rash on the skin. The onset of this response typically occurs within minutes to hours of coming into contact with an NRL product.
Areas of the Body Affected
Irritation typically affects the areas of the body coming into direct contact with the NRL product. There is no evidence of a potential for systemic involvement.
What Should Be Done
If you have experienced symptoms associated with irritation, you should consider using powder-free gloves, which may help reduce your irritation. Consult with your physician if symptoms persist.
Delayed Hypersensitivity (Type IV): Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Chemical Allergy
Description
This happens when the body has an allergic reaction to chemicals used in making latex products. This type of allergy is similar to that of poison oak.
Symptoms
The severity of this type of response is extremely varied. Reactions to latex usually impact the skin and can result in reddening of the skin, small blisters, dry, thickened, and itchy skin, scabs, and peeling. The onset of this response is delayed, typically occurring between 6 to 48 hours after contact.
Areas of the Body Affected
Affected areas are typically undefined. This results in the condition not being limited to the areas in direct contact with latex.
What Should Be Done
If you suspect you may have an allergy to the agents used to manufacture natural latex gloves, consult with your physician before continuing to use latex products. Ask your physician for advice regarding the use of alternative gloves, such as powder-free natural latex or synthetic gloves.
Immediate Hypersensitivity (Type I): Protein allergy, Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Medicated Response
Description
This reaction is an allergic response to the residual water-extractable proteins found on finished natural latex devices made of NRL. These proteins originate from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
Symptoms
The severity of this type of response is extremely varied and can be potentially serious. Symptoms include local or generalized urticaria, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, or anaphylaxis. The onset of immune system response is immediate, typically occurring within minutes after contact, but may also occur hours later. Studies indicate that there is a potential risk for systemic involvement.
Areas of the Body Affected
This reaction can affect different areas and is not limited to the ones that directly touch the NRL product.
What Should Be Done
Research has shown that individuals who are allergic to NRL products often have other allergies. Additionally, they are more likely to experience immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
If you have experienced any of the reactions listed above or suspect that you may be susceptible to latex allergy, immediately discontinue the use of natural latex products, and notify your supervisor. You must also consult with your physician to determine your risk and the potential severity of the condition. Only your physician/allergist can determine if you are latex sensitive.
Conclusion
Microflex is fully aware of the concerns its clients have regarding latex sensitivity and is committed to providing its clients with superior NRL gloves. They seek to improve their NRL products by using new information and technologies. Additionally, they are seeking ways to decrease the protein levels in latex gloves. In addition, Microflex has expanded its product line to include gloves made of synthetic materials, which do not contain NRL.
For more information about latex sensitivity or the new synthetic gloves available at The Lab Depot, please call 1.800.733.2522.