eczema and latex allergy

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Hi,

I am going to be a nurse student and I have eczema on my hands, which put me at risk of developing latex allergy. I am wondering if it is a good practice to double glove with cotton gloves underneath and then put latex gloves on when there are only latex gloves available? Also, if I want to be an OR nurse, is it going to be a problem for me if I do not want to wear latex gloves? Thanks for your input :loveya:

Specializes in L&D, Nursery.

Let's first remember that the original poster, to date, "only" has eczema--not Type IV, or Type I latex allergy, yet. She may never develop either, although the eczema makes it more of a possibility in the future (which she already knows). Many are posting here as if she already has Type IV latex allergy.

It probably would be better (note: better) for her to use low-protein, no-powder latex gloves than the powdered ones, if that is the ONLY choice for her. It would be best if she would avoid that altogether and, from the get-go, use nitrile, vinyl or some other non-latex glove while working and in school--just because she would be more prone to acquire the allergy due to the broken skin integrity. If she gets to clinical or work and non-latex gloves are not available to her, she needs to ask firmly for them on day one.

Now, if she already had a bona fide Type IV/Type I latex allergy, then working around latex gloves and equipment would not be in her best interest. Her allergy, as those of us already know, probably would gradually worsen over time and possibly cost her her job. The promising thing is that more and more healthcare workplaces are becoming latex-safe, albeit slowly.

Personally, as for me, I tell all nursing school grads, students, and people thinking of going to nursing school (as well as established nurses) to look for work in a latex-safe setting. Having to live with this allergy is the pits. It changes all aspects of your life. To tell you the truth, I would never have gone into nursing if I had known this was going to happen to me.

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Quite a bit of hospitals have done away with latex gloves due to the fact that even if you don't have a latex allergy in the beginning...people later on down the line (after using latex for some time) do develop latex allergy....just a thought...

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Specializes in ER - trauma/cardiac/burns. IV start spec.

Learning as much as one can about a problem that may become an issue is a very good thing. No she does not have a confirmed latex allergy now, but if it happens she will be better prepared. And for some people the sudden onset can be a life-threatening occurrence.

For some of us it is no longer about wearing latex or being exposed, it is about everyday life things that cause trouble. Like shopping in stores where conveyor belts are located or having to remove your carpet because you react to the backing. Not being able to eat your favorite foods or go to a restaurant. By starting to avoid latex now she can delay her possible conversion.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

I have eczema on my hands here and there and a latex sensitivity..there are ALWAYS non latex gloves available.

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Specializes in ER - trauma/cardiac/burns. IV start spec.
I have eczema on my hands here and there and a latex sensitivity..there are ALWAYS non latex gloves available.

Yes, there are always non-latex gloves but once a latex sensitivity has been achieved :(the exposure to other forms of latex become a problem. Of course it is possible to be allergic to other gloves - neoprene for example.:dzed:

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