Overview

People have varying degrees of sensitivity to allergy-causing ingredients, known as allergens. Some individuals may not be affected at all by a particular ingredient, while others might experience mild discomfort, such as itching. In more severe cases, some may endure significant allergic reactions. Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to a harmful subs tance, triggering a defense response.

In the context of glove use, there are three main types of adverse reactions that can be triggered by the materials and chemicals employed in the glove industry: irritation, delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV allergy), and immediate hypersensitivity (Type I allergy).

• Type IV Allergy - This type of reaction develops 1 to 4 days after contact with the chemical.

• Type I Allergy - This reaction occurs almost immediately, usually within minutes after contact.

While the clinical signs of irritation and Type IV allergy are generally limited to skin reactions, the clinical symptoms of Type I allergic reactions can vary in severity, ranging from localized skin reactions to life-threatening conditions.

How Do Gloves Cause Allergies?

Some individuals develop allergies after repeated contact with gloves, a condition known as "contact dermatitis." Allergies induced by nitrile gloves are primarily caused by residual accelerators and chemicals present on the gloves, which are added during the manufacturing process.

Severe allergic reaction caused by natural latex gloves.

Red, itchy, bumpy dermatitis caused by nitrile gloves.

Claims and Requirements for Skin Safety

Low Dermatitis Potential Claim

In response to the issue of contact dermatitis, efforts have been made by the industry to manufacture gloves with reduced levels of chemical additives known to have sensitizing potential. These products are designed to minimize the risk of contact dermatitis. Manufacturers now conduct rigorous testing to support claims such as "Low Dermatitis Potential," which indicates that the product has a lower potential for causing allergic reactions due to chemical additives. These gloves are clinically tested on a sample of 200 individuals to observe any allergic contact dermatitis, ranging from mild to severe reactions. The data obtained from these studies is then reviewed and approved by the FDA as evidence of the product's safety before it is commercialized.

Test material applied to the upper back to evaluate possible skin reactions. This study is conducted over 15 weeks in two stages.

Skin Health Alliance Certification

The Skin Health Alliance is an independent body comprising dermatologists and skin scientists who ensure the safety of products on the skin. They provide independent scientific support for claims of effectiveness made by products. Beyond skin safety, the Skin Health Alliance also verifies that products are not harmful to the environment at any stage of their development, manufacture, or disposal, and they support skin-related charities.