Powder is airborne and there is no question that allergens become airborne. Aside from carrying allergens, the powders can cause adhesions and increase the risk of post-surgical infections, added Dr. Donald Beezhold, director of the laboratory of Macrophage Biology at the Guthrie Research Institute in Sayre, Penn. They are used to it. To decrease the problem of latex allergies in the health-care workplace, not only should powdered products be eliminated, but the lowest protein latex glove should be used when latex is necessary, Dr. Sussman said. Since vinyl gloves leak and there is no suitable replacement glove yet on the market, latex products could be manufactured to decrease sensitization.
Education is one way to help combat the problem of latex allergy.
Health-care workers should be aware of signs of latex problems. For example, a contact urticaria after wearing a latex glove is a good indicator of a type 1 latex allergy, Dr. Sussman said. Wheezing and rhinitis may also indicate a latex allergy. Many hospitals are using the cheapest brands of gloves but those are not necessarily the best products, he added. We have to consider the outcome of sensitizing all these patients.