Posted By Paul Durkin
Hi All,
The problem of alleged allergy to nitrile gloves was posted by me in Sept, since then the number of sufferers has increased from one to six(6%)Hence my question is;Is there a nitrile glove brand that no-one in the personal care field has had any allergic reactions?
May also be worth,also listing the problem ones:
Mine is provided by Medicare(powder free)
Regards,Paul

Posted By Chris Packham
Paul

My first question would be: "Just what is the nature of the skin problem?"

The answer is not as simple as many assume. Actually, allergic reactions to gloves are not all that common, particularly where good quality gloves are being used. Much more common is an irritant reaction, due to the effect on the skin of the occlusion. In Germany long term wearing of occlusive gloves is considered equivalent to wet work, the most common cause of occupational skin disease (as irritant contact dermatitis) and thus a potentially significant risk of skin damage.

The only way to be sure that you are dealing with an allergic reaction is to have the persons concerned patch tested (but make sure that they are patch tested with the right substances!).

My second question would be: "What could I do to try to alleviate the problem in the short term, i.e. prior to a proper diagnosis?"

One of the best methods is to have the wearer use a separate cotton glove worn underneath the nitrile glove. This will absorb some of the water coming from the skin and help reduce the hyperhydration that is so often the cause of the irritant contact dermatitis. These under-gloves will need frequent changing as they will become saturated. However, they can be rinsed, dried and re-used.

Where dexterity is an issue try using a pair of scissors to remove the finger-tips. That way the person retains dexterity but helps prevent hyperhydration.

If these resolve your problem, then this is almost certainly an indication that what you have been dealing with is an irritant contact dermatitis and not an allergic reaction.

In answer to your question: "Yes, there are accelerator free nitrile gloves. Try the BEST website for their N-DEX FREE, as just one example. However, if your problem is not an allergic reaction to the accelerators (which incidentally are the same as used in natural rubber latex gloves) then these will not solve your problem."

Hope this is of some help.

Chris

Posted By Chris Packham
Paul

The "good" manufacturers will usually tell you if you ask. With the others, particularly those that import and do not manufacture themselves, you will probably have difficulty. At least, that is what I find.

As far as patch testing is concerned, the only people who can do this are the dermatologists. Even here you need to be careful. There are many dermatologists who do not regularly do patch testing and, as this is an art that requires experience and practice, I often find that the diagnosis from the dermatologist does not match what I know from my own experience is likely to be the case. Thus you need to select your dermatologist with care.

If you contact me direct with details of your location etc. I will try to give you a contact.

Chris