In response to the question “Glove allergy: what to do?”, various preventive risk minimization measures can be taken.

If you have already had an allergic reaction to a glove, you should inform your supervisor or the company doctor, consult a doctor if the symptoms persist and call an ambulance in an emergency.

In the following article, we will discuss the various preventive risk minimization measures, whereby the respective measure depends on the type of reaction in relation to the glove.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN BRIEF:
  • Depending on the material, various reactions can occur in connection with disposable gloves for the cleanroom, namely non-allergic irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis or natural latex allergy.
  • It should be clarified whether the reaction is really due to the gloves or to a substance such as a cleaning agent used.
  • When it comes to the question “Glove allergy: what to do?” there are various preventive risk minimization measures, depending on the type of reaction.
  • If there are signs of an allergic or non-allergic reaction, you should inform your supervisor or the company doctor. You should also consult an allergist or dermatologist if the symptoms persist.
  • In the event of an allergic reaction, an ambulance should be called in an emergency.

Table of contents

What glove allergies are there?

In the case of glove allergies, a distinction is made between allergic contact dermatitis and natural latex allergy (also known as protein allergy). Non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis is also usually mentioned in this context, although strictly speaking this is not an allergic reaction.

Non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis

Non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis – also known as skin irritation – can be caused by various factors, for example by substances in the gloves such as chemicals, powders or endotoxins, but also by excessive friction.

Symptoms include itching, redness, inflammation, scaly appearance, burning and thickening of the skin.

When clarifying whether the gloves are really to blame for the non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis, however, it is essential to rule out other possible causes such as the cleaning agents, disinfectants, alcohols or similar substances used in connection with wearing the gloves.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis can also be caused by substances in the gloves themselves, such as vulcanization accelerators, process accelerators, plasticizers, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, biocides, latex or other substances.

Symptoms include itching, blotchy redness, dryness, flaky skin, peeling, pimples, swelling and blisters.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a type IV allergy.

Natural latex allergy

And then there is the natural latex allergy (called protein allergy) among glove allergies.

Symptoms may include the following: Itching, hives, urticaria, asthma-like symptoms, cramping of the airways, extreme breathing difficulties, hay fever symptoms, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, Quincke’s edema, tingling of the skin, inflammation of the nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis, swelling of the skin surface and larynx, dropsy, severe palpitations, cessation of heartbeat and breathing, dizzy spells, low blood pressure and anaphylaxis (allergic shock).

Natural latex allergy is a type I allergy.

You can read more detailed information on the subject of glove allergies in the following article: “Glove allergy – symptoms and alternatives to latex gloves“.

Measures against glove allergies

Now we come to the answers to the question “Glove allergy: what to do?”. Various measures can be taken to reduce the risk of glove allergies or similar reactions. The respective measures depend on whether it is a non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis, an allergic contact dermatitis or a natural latex allergy.

Risk minimization for non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis

The following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of non-allergic irritant contact dermatitis:

  • Only use gloves that contain little or no chemical and endotoxin residues.
  • Powder-free gloves should also be used.
  • It is also recommended to wear slightly larger gloves than you actually need. This allows the skin to breathe better.
  • And you should be careful when dealing with infectious agents.
  • If there are signs of non-allergic, irritant contact dermatitis, you should inform your supervisor or the company doctor. You should also consult a dermatologist if the symptoms persist.

Risk minimization for allergic contact dermatitis

The following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of allergic contact dermatitis:

  • You should only use gloves that contain little or no residues of vulcanization accelerators, process accelerators, plasticizers, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, biocides, latex or other allergenic substances.
  • Powder-free gloves should also be used.
  • It is also recommended to wear cotton or nylon undergloves. However, care should be taken to always change the undergloves when changing the disposable gloves.
  • If there are signs of allergic contact dermatitis, you should inform your supervisor or the company doctor. In an emergency, you should call an ambulance. You should also consult a dermatologist if the symptoms persist.
  • If you can identify the substance responsible for the allergic reaction, you should make sure that the glove does not contain this substance.

The following gloves from the abovo range can be used as nylon undergloves, for example:

Risk minimization for natural latex allergy

The following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of a natural latex allergy:

  • To reduce the risk of a natural latex allergy, you should use unpowdered nitrile gloves instead of latex gloves.
  • If you use latex gloves and show signs of allergic contact dermatitis, you should inform your supervisor or the company doctor. In an emergency, you should call an ambulance. You should also consult an allergist if the symptoms persist.
  • If you are allergic to natural latex, you should of course avoid not only latex gloves, but also all other latex products.
  • Since a natural latex allergy often leads to so-called cross-reactions with certain foods to which the body then also reacts allergically, these foods should also be avoided.

For example, you can use the following nitrile gloves from the abovo range as a replacement for latex gloves:

Advice on the question “Glove allergy: what to do?”

abovo AG is a cleanroom specialist wholesaler with many years of experience. We will be happy to advise you on the question “Glove allergy: what to do?”. We can give you tips on how to avoid allergic reactions in connection with cleanroom gloves as far as possible. We can also support you in the selection of cleanroom gloves.

The easiest way to contact our cleanroom glove experts at abovo is by telephone or e-mail:

If you contact us by e-mail, we will reply as quickly as possible.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the topic of “glove allergy”