It is so important to get the right latex glove, especially if you work in an industry that demands impeccable hygiene. Rather than just choosing the lowest cost item available, spend a little bit of time researching the appropriate type of latex glove for you. Remember not all latex gloves are created equal. There are significant (sometimes astounding) differences between different brands and grades. The latex glove, like all devices, has its benefits as well as risks associated. Latex gloves have potential side effects ranging from Irritant dermatitis to type I skin allergies. As our valued customer we want you to be educated before you purchase our range in latex gloves.
Your glove needs to be comfortable You should be able to easily slip your hand into it, and then be able to perform surgery, colour hair or even wash dishes as if you weren’t even wearing a glove at all.
Make sure you check your glove offers barrier protection To guard against contact with blood, other body fluids, and microorganisms make sure you purchase a premium medical grade latex glove that has proven barrier protective capability.
Check your costs When deciding whether to purchase latex or synthetic, latex gloves are usually less expensive than synthetic rubber gloves.
Latex gloves contains natural latex, cornstarch powder frequently and numerous chemicals. You should understand what it is that you are putting against your skin and the possible side effects.
Irritant dermatitis Irritant hand dermatitis can cause breaks in the skin which can allow easier entry of the latex protein or glove chemicals, and lead to latex allergy. The typical causes of irritant dermatitis is frequent hand washing and inadequate drying, aggressive scrubbing technique or detergents, mechanical abrasive effect of glove powder, climatic irritation (cold climates can cause dry, chapped skin and hot weather can cause excessive sweating), and emotional stress.
Type IV allergy (Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity) Hand dermatitis due to the chemicals used in latex glove production. The skin reaction is typically seen 6-48 hours after contact. The reaction is local and limited to the skin that has contacted the glove. Not life threatening, type IV allergy side effects are at increased risk to develop type I allergy.
Type I allergy (Immediate reaction) Symptoms include hives, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma due to bronchoconstriction, and in severe cases anaphylaxis and hypotension. Type 1 allergy occurs within 30 minutes of exposure to the latex.
Numerous clusters of people have an increased risk for latex allergy: Patients who have had multiple hospitalizations and been exposed numerous times to latex medical products (especially patients with spina bifida), health care workers, and workers in the rubber industry.
Atopic individuals (those with other allergies or asthma) are at significantly greater risk to develop latex allergy than the general population. It is estimated that as many as 25-30% of atopic health care workers may become sensitized.
