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Article: Guidelines for the management of latex allergies and safe use of latex in perioperative practice settings.
- Article from:
- AORN Journal
- Article date:
- October 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Question: I hove several OR staff members who complain of skin problems (eg, redness, itching, dryness) after they wear surgical gloves. I am concerned that may may be allergic to latex. As me nurse manager at the OR, what do I need to do for these staff members?
Answer: The majority of reactions to latex gloves are not allergic reactions to latex. There are three types of reactions that people can have to latex gloves: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or true latex allergies.(1)
Irritant contact dermatitis. The most common reaction OR personnel have to latex gloves is irritant contact dermatitis. Their hands may become dry, ...