They reported that although both vinyl and latex examination gloves provide protection to the user, latex gloves maintain their integrity longer under in-use conditions. The barrier effectiveness of synthetic rubber gloves is not as well established at this time as for latex. 18 Second, a glove needs to be comfortable. Again, latex excels - the synthetic materials are frequently stiffer than latex, and less comfortable to wear. Third, cost is important.
Latex gloves are usually less expensive than synthetic rubber gloves.
So latex has substantial benefits as a material for surgical gloves. These are foreign matter, and the human immune system sometimes responds. There are 3 major types of reactions. Irritant dermatitis - This is skin irritation that does not involve the body s immune response. It is not an allergic response.