Common Skin Reactions to Disposable Gloves

Although allergic reactions to disposable gloves are fairly rare (with the possible exception of latex gloves, for which allergy is more common) it’s possible for some people to experience different skin reactions when using various types of disposable gloves. For instance, you can suffer glove-related contact dermatitis and contact urticaria when using any of the three main glove materials.

Below you’ll find more information about a few symptoms of allergies associated with nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves, as well as steps you can take to avoid adverse reactions.

Symptoms of Nitrile, Vinyl, and Latex Glove Allergy

You may have skin allergies to disposable gloves if you notice any of the following symptoms on your hands and wrists.

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is a glove-related allergy that may require medical attention to prevent infection. Its symptoms include blisters, lesions, and ulcers, as well as dry skin.

2. Hives

Hives are a major cause of itchy hands from wearing gloves. They appear as raised white bumps, but you can also experience redness with the itchiness. It is generally advisable to wash your hands with mild soap if redness occurs. You can also use hydrocortisone cream on the affected area to alleviate discomfort.

3. Glove Rash

You may develop rashes if the hives continue to spread. Getting a rash from gloves at work or while cleaning your home may also cause your hands to swell, making an uncomfortable situation worse. Rashes may require medical treatment if they do not improve after self-care efforts like applying over-the-counter creams.

4. Cracked Skin

Cracked or peeling skin are symptoms that occur among users with more severe glove intolerance. You can experience them from prolonged exposure, worsening the cracks. The affected skin can sting or burn and potentially start bleeding. You can also suffer infection on your skin if you do not receive proper treatment. Itching, sun sensitivity, and blisters are other painful symptoms you may experience if your hands are peeling from wearing gloves.

How Skin Allergies Can Be Avoided

You can keep a few instructions in mind to prevent allergic reactions when using disposable gloves. It is a good idea to wash your hands after removing the gloves using a mild soap. You also want to dry your hands thoroughly after cleaning.

It is best not to apply oil-based hand lotions or creams when using the different types of disposable gloves. Another thing to avoid is wearing gloves with a wet hand or using wet gloves. Wetness makes your skin more sensitive and vulnerable to allergic reactions.

You also want to use a cotton liner when wearing disposable gloves for long periods. For instance, healthcare providers may need gloves for hours to treat patients. It is not practical for them to limit the use of gloves. Thus, the liner offers a solution for long-term wearers to manage allergic reactions.

Lastly, investing in quality products from reputable sources such as Glove America minimizes the risk of irritation from low-quality materials.

It is essential to learn and understand the skin reactions you can experience when using disposable gloves. This knowledge can help you take better preventative measures when requiring gloves frequently. You will also know how to identify an allergic reaction and the response to take, preventing your condition from getting worse.