$Unique_ID{BRK02006}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Latex Gloves and the Potential for Allergic Reaction}
$Subject{rash latex gloves rubber gloves rubber latex chemicals rash rashes
asthma allergic reactions allergic reaction allergy allergies natural rubber
Food and Drug Administration FDA immune system occupational hazards
occupational hazard}
$Volume{}
$Log{
The Process of an Allergic Reaction*0001201.scf
Histamine Release Causes Allergy Symptoms*0001202.scf
The Function of IgG in an Allergic Reaction*0001203.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Latex Gloves and the Potential for Allergic Reaction


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QUESTION:  My friend claims that she has a new problem due to her job at the
hospital.  She has developed a rash on both hands and thinks it might come
from the chemicals she has been using.  She uses gloves to protect her hands,
but that doesn't seem to help.  Can you offer her any help?  Unfortunately her
newspaper doesn't print your wonderful column.

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ANSWER:  I might be of more help if I had a better idea of the appearance of
her rash, and what the circumstances were when it first appeared.  It is
always easier to identify the cause of a rash when a complete history is
available.  But there are still some actions I can recommend for your friend
to take.  A careful inspection of the rash by a qualified physician is
probably the most important step, as well as a list of all the chemicals that
she touched over the past weeks before the rash appeared.  All employers are
now required to maintain records of chemicals that are capable of causing
health problems, and so the hospital itself may be able to provide both the
answer to the puzzle, and the care to help your friend rid herself of the
problem.
     Let me add another observation.  You mentioned that she was wearing
gloves to protect her hands, and that may actually be the source of the
problem.  Of late, an increasing number of health workers have been reporting
reactions to the latex from which surgical gloves are made.  In some reports
the numbers range from 10 to 30 percent of those surveyed.  Besides the itchy
rash that is reported most often, some reactions include asthma, and other
acute systemic allergic reactions.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
currently considering new labeling requirements to alert all users of latex to
the possibility of these allergic reactions.  And it is not the gloves alone
that can be the source of the reaction.  Latex is included in many other
medical products such as tubing and other "natural rubber" products.  Many of
the individuals who report these reactions are aware of previous personal
conditions which are related to an immune system that is hypersensitive, and
that result in asthma-like conditions or skin rashes.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.