What are the symptoms and treatment options for an allergy to latex (natural rubber) gloves?

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Last updated: March 22, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

If you experience symptoms like skin rash, itching, hives, or respiratory issues when using rubber gloves, switch immediately to non-latex alternatives such as nitrile, vinyl, or neoprene gloves. The symptoms of a latex allergy can range from mild to severe and include urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis 1. For mild skin reactions, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1%) 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days and take an antihistamine like cetirizine (10mg) or diphenhydramine (25-50mg) as needed for itching. Wash the affected area with mild soap and water before applying medication.

Key Considerations

  • Prevention is crucial, and individuals with a known latex allergy should inform their healthcare providers and avoid exposure to latex products 2.
  • A latex-free environment is essential for individuals with a latex allergy, and this can be achieved by using non-latex gloves and medical articles 1.
  • In cases of severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or widespread hives, seek emergency medical attention as this could indicate anaphylaxis.

Treatment Options

  • For persistent or recurrent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider who may recommend prescription-strength corticosteroids or refer you to an allergist for testing.
  • Skin prick tests with latex extracts or in vitro assays for IgE to latex can be used to diagnose a latex allergy 1.

Prevention Strategies

  • Always check glove materials before use and inform healthcare providers about your allergy.
  • Use of latex-free products, such as nitrile or vinyl gloves, can help prevent exposure to latex allergens 3.
  • A latex-safe environment should be ensured for patients and healthcare workers with latex allergy, with emergency treatment kits with latex-free products available at all times 3.

From the Research

Symptoms of Latex Allergy

  • Contact dermatitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis are possible clinical reactions to latex allergy 4
  • Symptoms can range from mild contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis 5
  • Redness of the skin, itching, vesicles, and eczema are common symptoms reported in connection with the use of latex gloves 6

Treatment and Prevention Options

  • Minimizing exposure to latex proteins may represent an effective preventive measure for latex allergy 7
  • Selection of low-allergen latex gloves can help prevent latex allergy 7
  • Synthetic materials, such as polyvinyl, polyurethanes, nitrile, and neoprene, are being used to manufacture medical gloves as alternatives to latex 4
  • A comprehensive schedule of diagnostic tests is proposed to identify the responsible allergens, and a classification of hypoallergenic gloves is introduced to provide a guideline for individual therapy 8

High-Risk Groups

  • Healthcare workers are at high risk for latex allergy due to increased exposure to latex products 4, 5
  • Individuals with spina bifida, congenital urogenital anomalies, and those employed in the rubber industry are also at high risk for immediate hypersensitivity to latex 5
  • People with coexisting risk factors, such as atopy and food allergies, are at an even greater risk for severe allergic reactions following repeated latex exposure 4

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Latex allergy: are you at risk?

AANA journal, 2001

Research

Latex allergy in children.

Current opinion in pediatrics, 1993

Research

Prevention of latex allergy by selection of low-allergen gloves.

Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2000

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.