New companies had an easy time entering the market and did not follow necessary procedures for removing residual chemicals and excess latex proteins in the post-processing washes. In their rush to get the product to market, the latex was not aged properly either. It is during the aging, of approximately a week, that many protein levels are reduced. Irritant contact dermatitis results in damage or injury to skin. It usually occurs when gloves have been worn for long periods preventing exposure to air.
Skin cells swell with fluid, become weakened and more susceptible to injury.
Hand washing exacerbates the condition because people tend not to dry their hands completely, thus allowing the glove powder to bind with the skin. This problem is not related to an immune response, and it is easily resolved by using nonpowdered latex gloves or cotton liners and by making sure the hands are thoroughly dry before putting gloves on. It develops over time - as more cells become sensitized, both the area and severity of the allergic reaction increase. Symptoms generally occur from 48 to 72 hours after exposure. The main allergens are the accelerates used to shorten the manufacturing process.