The generalization of the wearing of natural latex gloves as a
healthcare worker-patient barrier has generated an increasing number
of cases of intolerance among medical professionals.
The irritant (or, indeed, sensitive) properties of this material
are essentially linked to the latex plant proteins (from the raw
material), vulcanizing agents (chemical treatments performed during
manufacture) and the sterilization method.
Latex glove allergies affect between 10 and 15% of medical
staff during the performance of their duties.
Allergy to natural latex manifests itself via a variety of symptoms:
- Irritation , often due to the intensive use
of soaps and antiseptics, associated with the gloves' occlusive
effect.
- Contact eczema , supposedly
due to vulcanizing agents, antioxidants and donning powder, etc.
(chemical treatments of the glove)
- Urticaria - immediate hypersensitivity which
can manifest itself by anaphylactic shock – due to such hydrosoluble
latex protein which is often dispersed into the atmosphere by the
donning powder.
The G-VIR® glove is composed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and
contains neither latex, vulcanizing agents nor donning powder: it
can be recommended for anyone who has been sensitized to these substances.
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