So im allergic to latex AND non-latex (vynl) gloves

flightnurse2b, LPN · Nov 30, 2008

i recommend going to an allergist to see what material you actually are allergic to, whether it be latex, vinyl, nitrile, etc. that way you can avoid that material and a severe allergic reaction.

i am not allergic to latex, but i get severe dermatitis on my hand when i wear latex gloves, so i switched to nitrile and have had no problems at all.

dusky1228 · Nov 30, 2008

I am allergic to both of these gloves...I have been getting horrible reddness on my hands anytime I put one of these on. And today i experienced some SOB like something was caught in my throat.
I don't know what to do. How am i going to be a nurse if i can't wear the gloves??? What if I try on hypoallergenic and find out i am allergic to those too?
People tell me it is just the cold weather. But is this going to happen every year?
I am so discouraged and upset, I can hardly study because all I can think about is I am wasting my time because I won't be able to wear the gloves.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do or ways to make this reaction less severe?

Have you tried nitrile gloves? That's what I wear, because I also have some awful skin reactions to latex and sometimes vinyl. That may do the trick. But I agree with the seeing an allergist too.

jp2096 · Jan 11, 2009

My unit made the switch from nitrile to "powder free hypoallergenic vinyl" and when I used an ice pack made from these vinyl gloves (you know us nurses), and put it on my face to relieve some cheilitis discomfort , i broke out like crazy. The rashes look like healed burn scars and itch like crazy and benadryl won't help. I can not find any information on the internet about vinyl allergies. Have you found any evidence?

DDRN4me · Jan 11, 2009

definitely go to an allergist; you do not want to end up in the er with anaphylaxis...

i would also try glove liners in the meantime

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

Two other things that you might consider: Soap, alcohol and the anti-bacterial hand solutions.

It would be hard to tell the difference as these are all commonly used before you don the gloves.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

You can wear a thin cotton glove over your hands first before applying a protective glove. Then there are replacement gloves made of a different non-allergic plastic such as nitrile or polyethylene plastic.

This is a medical condition. Getting short of breath is a symptom of an anaphylactic reaction! I am surprised that your instructors have not insisted on a written physician's excuse from you to return to the clinical area. If this were an on the job situation and I were your supervisor or manager, you would have been sent to the ER when this happened, a Workers' Comp report generated and you would return to work using only special substitute gloves for the latex or vinyl along with a written physician excuse on file because the substitute gloves are more expensive.

Larger facilities will often supply these special non-allergic gloves for their allergic workers. But smaller facilities often do not and the allergic nurse has to purchase them herself. The problem becomes one of convenience because other nurses often think it no problem to borrow a pair of gloves from you now and then. Now and then gets to be a regular thing and pretty soon you are supplying your gloves which you have to pay for to everyone else. And, you have to carry your supply of gloves with you at all times.

The infection control nurses or central supply nurses in a hospital will know about these latex substitutes. You can purchase them from just about any medical/surgical supply dealer or pharmacy that sells medical/surgical supplies. In fact, a pharmacist might be able to help you find what you need. Try asking a few.

Do not despair. This is not the end of a career for you. You are not the first or the last to have this problem. You just have to find a product that works for you and be aware that you will most likely need to carry some of these gloves with you at all times. Then, educate others about your condition and strategies to cope with it.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

Just a student, but in clinicals, its more often than not that I hear nurses complain that one thing or another gives them a rash/runny nose. It's either one glove or another or the antibacterial soaps. I myself like the foam soaps - have a problem with the orange stuff that makes my hands turn bright red. Too bad the latex is such an issue for so many... that powder helps when it's hot, that is for sure! But I don't use latex at all now since my aunt (RN) is now very allergic, unless I get to a site that seems to only have latex for their sterile packs. Anybody know of how to get around the... hot hands, get the sticky gloves off, and then attempt to put on a new pair ASAP after alcohol rub issue :banghead: ?

allnurses Guide · Jan 11, 2009

You should always wash your hands after taking gloves off, and before putting new gloves on. Having gloves on, esp when it's hot, your hands sweat which is a nice breeding ground for bacteria. Ensure your hands are clean and dry and you shouldn't have a problem putting the new gloves on.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

Oh sorry, meant that because hands are warm... after cleaning :)... still tough to get those non-powder gloves on sometimes! Depending on what you are in the middle of... when speed is necessary and you can't just take the time to cool down.

I love my cat! · Jan 11, 2009

Definitely see an Allergist! Have a skin test and a blood test done. You may have more than just a contact latex allergy. Your allergist should also check for foods/plants that may be have cross-reactive with latex.

Anyway, I know several nurses that thought they only had a contact allergy, but ended up with Type I allergy. People with this allergy can have an anaphylactic reaction from just being in an area where latex is/was used. Airborne latex particles can circulate in the air for up to 5 hours. In addition, the airborne latex particles eventually settle on surfaces that you may touch later. There isn't a standard for what would be considered a "safe" amount of latex to be around once diagnosed with a Type I. Some people can be around it for hours and others react within minutes.

Studies that I have read have stated that complete avoidance is really the only way to remain safe.

As far as having a reaction to the vinyl, it is probably the processing agents that are used to produce the gloves. I know a Nurse that use to break out with nitrile gloves. She ended up leaving Nursing.

Hopefully, you only have a contact allergy. It is still a hassle, but at least you won't have to worry about having an anaphylactic reaction someplace.

Sorry you are going through this. Take care and see the Allergist!

(To add, keep a journal of when you break out/have a reaction and what the reaction is. This may be helpful later).

Dixies · Sep 16, 2015

I am also allergic to all gloves. I have tried them all. I tested positive for the allergen p-Phenylenediamine (PPD). This allergen is the base for all polymer and polymer is all plastic, vinyl, and latex. I have gone through a nightmare recently because I work in a field requiring some form of glove on my hands. I get weals/whelps/blisters that leave red scarring after they heal. Go to an allergist.