Wearing gloves on a regular basis can cause issues with our skin's health. Skin allergies of various sorts and intensity are the most common manifestations of this. Immediate hypersensitivity (Type I), delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV), and irritating contact dermatitis are the three forms of skin allergies produced by adverse reactions to glove products.

Type I allergies are caused by exposure to NRL on a regular basis.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves can cause everything from irritating contact dermatitis to life-threatening allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Latex allergy, commonly known as Type I allergy, is a reaction to allergenic proteins that remain in NRL products. NRL is extracted from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree, which is native to South Africa and Southeast Asia. While there are over 250 varieties of latex proteins, only about 20% of them are allergic. Repeated exposure to NRL products can result in the formation of antibodies, which react immunologically with the allergenic proteins in the immune systems of a number of people who are sensitive.

Within minutes of initially coming into contact with NRL, there is an immediate negative reaction. Some or all of the following symptoms may occur as a result of this reaction: swelling, redness at the point of contact, itching, and burning. Urticarial, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and bronchial blockage are all possible symptoms that can extend to locations proximal to the site of glove exposure. Although anaphylactic symptoms are uncommon, they are possible.

Most chemical allergies are influenced by chemical accelerators.

Allergic responses triggered by chemical residues from the glove manufacturing process could result in a Type IV Allergy (Chemical Allergy), often known as ACD. Despite the fact that this is not a life-threatening allergy, it is a major source of concern for healthcare personnel and those in the Life Science business.

Both NRL and synthetic rubber gloves are manufactured using a variety of substances. Different chemical mixtures are used by different producers, and most leach and wash their gloves to minimise residual chemicals in the end product to a minimum.

A chemical allergy is the result of an immunological reaction to a residual chemical leached from completed glove products into the skin of the individual wearing the gloves.

• The chemicals used in the glove production process are part of these broad classifications:

• Accelerators
• Accelerator activators
• Stabilizers
• Antidegradants
• Retarders
• Fillers
• Extenders

Irritation and reaction triggers in the hands.

Several glove wearers suffer from irritant contact dermatitis. This is a non-immune reaction that occurs within minutes to hours of contact with the glove. It's not an allergy, but rather a condition caused by a mix of variables, including glove use. Hand washing often and poor rinsing/drying, for example, causes sensitivities to detergents/fragrance soap. Symptoms include redness, chafing, scaling or cracking, and skin dryness where the glove comes into direct touch with the skin. Minimizing contact with the causative subject, sticking to a regular skin care routine, avoiding oil/fat based hand lotions, and wearing powder-free gloves can all help to reduce the chance of irritation.