As within the medical community, the piercing and tattooing industries have seen a large increase in the number of practitioners who are either sensitive or allergic to latex gloves and other products. This increase in latex allergies can be attributed to several factors.

One of the primary reasons for the increase in the number of individuals allergic to latex is the institution of Universal Precautions. Universal Precautions has resulted in the increase in the number of latex gloves being used and being manufactured. A secondary factor is the manufacturing process itself and the quality of latex used in the manufacturing process.

There are several different types of reactions that can occur. It is important to understand the types of reactions in order to determine if the reaction is truly a reaction to latex or if the reaction is due to some other factor. Determining the cause of the reaction makes it possible to determine what course of action will prove to be most beneficial.

The following are the most common types of reactions:

A. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of Irritant Contact Dermatitis are dry, flaky, irritated areas of skin, most commonly the hands.

Common Causes

This condition can be caused by frequent hand-washing and drying as well as not properly drying hands after hand-washing. In addition, exposure to powders used on latex gloves can also contribute to this type of reaction. It is important to realize that this type of reaction is not a true allergic reaction.

B. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)

Symptoms

Symptoms for this type of reaction often resemble a reaction to poison ivy. The skin will often develop oozing skin blisters. This condition often appears 24-48 hours after exposure and may spread to areas that do not come in contact with latex.

Common causes

This condition is most commonly causes by chemicals added to the latex during harvesting, processing or the manufacturing process. It is important to realize that some of the same chemicals used in processing natural rubber latex gloves may also be used in processing synthetic rubber gloves such as Nitrile.

C. Latex Allergy (immediate hypersensitivity)

Symptoms

The types of symptoms that appear due to this kind of reaction vary depending upon the level of sensitivity. Reactions may vary from mild (severe skin redness, development of hives and/or itching) to more severe (difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, and/or scratchy throat). In some severe cases, a life-threatening shock may develop. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions typically occur within minutes of exposure to latex.

Common causes

This type of reaction occurs as a result of a direct allergy to latex proteins. It is often difficult to determine what level of exposure will cause this type of reaction. In addition, this type of reaction is something that often develops over time, as the individual is frequently exposed to latex.

The issue of reactions to latex gloves in our industry has become an issue which can no longer be ignored. Reactions of this nature have the potential to affect our ability to work safely or to work at all. It is important to be able to recognize these types of reactions and to be able to prevent the likelihood of such reactions occurring.

One of the most effective ways to prevent allergic reactions to latex is to minimize the use of latex products, especially gloves. One common, and very effective substitute for latex gloves are gloves made of Nitrile. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that contains no natural rubber latex. Nitrile provides a barrier protection equal, if not better, than that of latex. However, as was mentioned previously, keep in mind that Nitrile is still a form of rubber, and as such, may still be processed using some of the same chemicals used to process latex gloves.

If latex gloves are used, the following precautions can be taken to reduce the occurrence of various reactions:

• Use latex gloves which are powder-free. The powder can be absorbed into the skin, carrying with it latex proteins. While powdered-free latex gloves may be slightly more expensive, they can greatly reduce the potential for reactions. In addition, if hands are dried thoroughly after washing, donning of powder-free latex gloves is no more difficult than donning latex gloves that are powdered.
• Wash your hands both before and after the procedure. This will help remove latex proteins that become embedded in the skin.
• Wash your hands using a mild soap and dry them thoroughly.
• Keep your skin in good conditions using lotions and/or creams. There are many different products available which are designed specifically for the purpose of maintaining the health of the skin on the hands. Be sure that any hand lotions used are not oil-based, as the oil will break down the latex, increasing your potential for exposure to pathogens as well as increasing the amount of latex absorbed into your skin.

David Vidra, C.L.P.N., M.A., OSHA Authorized Outreach Instructor, Owner Body Work Productions, Inc. and Health Educators, Inc.

Derek Lowe, Manager/Senior Piercer Body Work Productions, Inc., Instructor Health Educators, Inc.

Jesika Bornsen -- Piercer, Body Work Productions, Inc.

Molly Szewcyzk -- Piercer, Body Work Productions, Inc.