Hand dermatitis, particularly if severe or if changing in severity in those who wears latex gloves. Outside of these recognized risk groups, latex allergy is very uncommon, with estimates of less than 1 percent prevalence in the general population. Latex comes from latex trees, not grown in the United States. It appears that the proteins that are on the surface of latex are the general cause for allergies. These proteins can be transmitted by touch, or by air.
Gloves containing cornstarch or other fine particles can fasten themselves to the proteins.
When the gloves are removed, these particles can enter into the air to be inhaled or in contact with other body membranes. This has prompted some states to provide legislation to seek to ban healthcare workers from using gloves with powder. First you need to realize that latex gloves are providing protection from infectious diseases being transmitted between patients and healthcare workers. The universal precaution for gloves in 1987 was an attempt to protect workers against the blood borne pathogen Aids virus. In recent years we've had the introduction of chlorinated latex gloves.