She found the answer to her ailments in the palms of her hands, which were sheathed in powdered latex gloves. Latex gloves, especially those powdered for easy donning, have increasingly created allergy problems for medical professionals in the past decade.
Some people block allergic reactions by using powder-free gloves.
Others are more susceptible, and must switch to latex-safe and gloves without powder. Powdered gloves slip on more easily, but also disperse harmful latex proteins in the air. Latex-safe gloves have a minimal amount of latex in them that generally do not affect people with allergies. An informal survey of medical facilities in Arlington, Fort Worth and Dallas shows most have turned exclusively to the gloves or supply them upon request. The switch is occurring as allergic reactions, workers compensation cases and lawsuits increase.