Latex allergy poses a concern for workers, as products such as disposable latex gloves, designed to safeguard against infections, may trigger irritant or allergic responses in certain individuals. It's essential for workers to understand how to address these risks.

Latex, also known as natural rubber latex, originates from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. The manufacturing process involves incorporating chemicals into latex to produce a resilient and flexible material utilized in items like disposable latex gloves.

Latex gloves protect workers from the risk of infection, particularly when their work involves contact with blood and body substances. They are commonly used in:

• healthcare and residential care
• veterinary clinics
• emergency services
• funeral industry
• cleaning services
• beauty and hairdressing
• early childhood education and care
• body piercing
• tattooing
• law enforcement
• hospitality.

Latex poses various risks, including latex allergy, which manifests in three distinct forms:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis:

• Non-allergic skin rash resulting from contact with latex products.
• Caused by factors like trapped moisture, incomplete rinsing of detergent and soap, corn starch in powdered latex gloves, and handling chemicals that can permeate gloves.
• Reversible condition.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

• Allergic skin rash appearing up to 48 hours after latex exposure.
• Also known as type IV or delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
• Spreads beyond the contact area with repeated exposure.
• Caused by skin sensitization to chemicals in latex products.
• Rash disappears when avoiding latex but reoccurs upon re-exposure.

Immediate Allergic Reaction:

• Least common but most severe form of latex allergy.
• Also known as type 1 or immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
• Results from sensitivity to latex proteins, causing rapid onset of symptoms within minutes to an hour after exposure.
• Symptoms range from local reactions (hives, redness, itching) to generalized reactions (widespread hives, facial swelling, sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing).
• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency, can occur, leading to breathing difficulties and collapse.
• Symptoms can be treated, but re-exposure may worsen the condition.

It's crucial to note that irritant and allergic contact dermatitis elevate the risk of developing an immediate allergic reaction. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing conducted by a doctor.