Latex rubber can contain proteins which cause a range of mild to severe allergic reactions. The chemicals added during processing of the latex rubber may also cause skin rashes. These chemicals can cause skin reactions similar to those caused by poison ivy. A rash usually appears 24 to 48 hours after contact and may progress to oozing skin blisters or spread away from the area of skin touched by the latex. Irritant Contact Dermatitis is dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin.
Reactions usually begin within minutes after exposure.
However, they may occur hours to days later and produce various symptoms. Shock rarely occurs. A life-threatening reaction is seldom the first allergic symptom. Latex allergic reactions have increased in recent years, especially among health care employees. The proteins responsible for latex allergies adhere to powder used on some latex gloves.