Symptoms are itching, rash on the hands, rarely watery eyes and sneezing, and occasionally more severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties or anaphylactic shock. Some manufacturers are trying to develop vinyl gloves with equal stretch, plus the good fit and durability of latex gloves. Hypoallergenic latex gloves are made from purified, high quality latex and they are washed and cleaned more. Sometimes they help, but not always.
Some people are allergic to the cornstarch that is used to powder the gloves.
Latex allergy can be tested by a skin test or a blood test, but neither is very reliable and only persons in high risk groups should be tested, always in a setting where emergency resuscitation equipment is available. Persons who have been using latex gloves and are symptom free should not be tested. For these who are allergic, a vinyl glove can be worn under the latex glove. If a patient is known to be latex-sensitive, a plastic glove should be used alone or over a latex glove. Spina-bifida children have a high incidence of latex allergy because they are so frequently exposed to many products made of latex.