Irritation from washing with harsh soaps or sweating under gloves results in rough, dry and scaly rashes. Even though irritant dermatitis is not an allergy, absorption of latex through damaged skin increases the risk of later developing allergy with continued exposure. This is a reaction to the chemicals added to rubber during manufacture, not due to an allergy to latex proteins. Rough and scaly and sometimes weeping rashes can develop within a few days of contact. As with irritant dermatitis, absorption of latex through damaged skin increases the risk of later developing allergy with continued exposure.
Reactions can occur within minutes and include hives or swollen lips or face at the site of contact.
Others will develop irritation after wearing a condom, having a Pap smear taken or after dental treatment. Hay fever-like symptoms may occur, typically in hospital settings where frequent changing of gloves can result in suspension of fine latex particles in the air. More serious reactions can occur. Most people who are allergic to latex have had frequent exposure to latex in the past. The vast majority are nurses, doctors, dentists, or patients who have had a number of operations, such as those with spina bifida.