LATEX ALLERGY

Natural rubber products allow health professionals to work with unique comfort, resistance, precision and elasticity. On that advantages they are preferred in medical professions. 

Occasionally using natural latex products can cause issues with the health of our skin. This predominantly manifests itself in the form of skin allergies of a variety of different types and severity. Skin allergies from adverse reactions to glove products are generally classified into three distinct types, immediate hypersensitivity or Type I, delayed hypersensitivity or Type IV, and irritant contact dermatitis.

Exposure to NRL may lead to Type I allergies

Adverse reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) articles can range from irritant contact dermatitis to serious allergic response such as anaphylaxis. Latex allergy also known as Type I Allergy is a reaction to the residual allergenic proteins present in NRL products. A raw latex contains approximately 200 different types of proteins out of which 14 have been identified as allergens, substances which may cause an allergy (hypersensitive immunologic response). After repeated exposure to NRL products, the immune system of some susceptible individuals produces antibodies that react immunologically with these allergenic proteins. 

Allergy problems can be caused though by either allergens in natural rubber or chemical residues of the chemicals used in the production process of a product, independent of the type of material. Both natural rubber latex allergens as well as the chemical residues can cause allergy and are therefore a threat to the public health. 

Type I Latex Allergy Solutions

In all cases of repeat or persistent dermatitis or allergic reaction associated with glove use it is recommended to consult a medical practitioner. Since skin allergies vary in possible severity, solutions to these problems also vary. First and foremost a Type I or true natural rubber latex allergy can be a very serious condition. In this case, a synthetic product is appropriate and must be used as an alternative to a natural rubber latex. 

Synthetic polyisoprene latex is the most similar performance to natural rubber latex with a high level of comfort, excellent elasticity and moderate strength.