If you are allergic to latex, your immune system thinks that the protein in this substance, which comes from the rubber tree, is harmful to your body and tries to fight the “danger”. Latex is found in many rubber gloves, including dishwashing gloves.
Wearing dishwashing gloves made of natural rubber can certainly trigger a latex allergy. If you experience symptoms, such as itching, watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, itching or redness, swelling or itching of the skin, after wearing dishwashing gloves containing latex, you may have an allergic reaction. However, if you develop a delayed rash on your hands (12 to 48 hours) after putting on dishwashing gloves, this is most likely contact dermatitis caused by the chemicals used in the glove manufacturing process, and not a latex allergy.
Anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction, can also result from latex exposure in cases of severe allergies. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, which include nausea, vomiting, weak or fast pulse, wheezing, difficulty breathing, confusion, and loss of consciousness, you need immediate medical attention as this can be fatal.
An allergist or immunologist can test you for a latex allergy and may prescribe an antihistamine for your symptoms. If you have a severe allergy, such as an allergy that causes anaphylaxis, you may need to take epinephrine with you so you can self-medicate immediately after contact with latex.
If you are diagnosed with a latex allergy, you can still wear dishwashing gloves; You only need to buy gloves that do not contain latex. This includes gloves made of vinyl, nitrile or synthetic latex.