Contact dermatitis to nitrile

27 Nov.,2024

 

Contact dermatitis to nitrile

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is an eczematous skin reaction arising from direct contact with a causative agent. It is the most common type of occupational skin disease. Contact dermatitis is classified as either allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis or a combination of both.

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Contact dermatitis to nitrile is mostly allergic contact dermatitis, but irritant contact dermatitis may also occur.

What is nitrile and what is it used for?

Nitrile is an organic compound most commonly used to produce nitrile rubber. Nitrile rubber is a large synthetic rubber, a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene, used in the production of latex-free gloves. Nitrile rubber is also used to produce transmission belts, seals, and hoses.

Nitrile is also used in the production of insecticides and as a raw material for the production of synthetic fibres and resins [1].

Nitrile examination gloves 

Blue nitrile glove 

Green gloves in surgery 

Who gets contact dermatitis to nitrile?

Allergic contact dermatitis to nitrile is most likely in people who wear disposable nitrile rubber gloves.

  • They have often chosen latex-free nitrile gloves because they also have latex allergy.
  • The most commonly affected professions include healthcare workers (dentists, nurses, doctors), hairdressers, and food handlers.
  • Contact dermatitis may also rarely affect people working in the automotive and aeronautical industry or in industrial factories producing synthetic fibres or insecticides.

Irritant contact dermatitis associated with the use of nitrile gloves may be due to atopic dermatitis, dry skin, occlusion, sweating, repetitive washing, or friction, among other causes.

What causes contact dermatitis to nitrile?

Allergic contact dermatitis to nitrile is usually due to allergy to rubber accelerators used to manufacture nitrile rubber gloves [2]. These include thiurams, dithiocarbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazole [3].

Hypersensitivity may also be due to acrylonitrile, but this is extremely rare, and acrylonitrate more commonly causes an irritant contact dermatitis. Acrylonitrile is a small molecule that can easily penetrate the skin, and has been recognised as a potent toxin and sensitiser [1,4,5].

What are the clinical features of contact dermatitis to nitrile?

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction.

  • It presents as a

    pruritic

    ,

    erythematous

    ,

    scaly

    rash

    on the areas of skin contact.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis can extend to involve distant sites.
  • Irritant contact dermatitis is usually confined to the site of contact.
  • Transient

    paraesthesia

    has also been reported and is thought to be due to acrylonitrile [4]. See Cutaneous dysaesthesia.

How is contact dermatitis to nitrile diagnosed?

Allergic contact dermatitis is often diagnosed after taking a detailed clinical history and examining the patient carefully.

Patch testing should include the local baseline series and rubber accelerators.

 

 

What is the treatment for contact dermatitis to nitrile?

Treatment of contact dermatitis involves avoiding exposure to nitrile and topical medical treatment.

Avoiding nitrile exposure

Avoidance of exposure to rubber accelerators requires the use of disposable nitrile accelerator-free gloves, such as Ansell Micro-Touch Nitrafree®, Showa N-dex free®, and Sensicare Free Accelerator Free Blue Nitrile Gloves®.

Advise dental or medical practitioners of any allergy to nitrile gloves, although exposure in the healthcare setting rarely causes problems.

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In the rare case of an allergy to acrylonitrile, butyl rubber gloves have been found to limit its permeability and may be considered as an alternative for mechanics and factory workers [4,5]. These gloves are generally not practicable for healthcare workers, hairdressers, or laboratory technicians.

Barrier creams have not been found to protect sufficiently against acrylonitrile penetration and are not recommended [4].

Medical treatment

In the acute phase, treatment is as for any acute dermatitis or eczema including the use of a soap substitute, moisturising cream, and topical corticosteroids.

What is the outcome of contact dermatitis to nitrile?

The prognosis after diagnosis of contact dermatitis to nitrile is dependent on patient education and avoidance of the allergen. Approximately 10&#;15% of people with occupational contact dermatitis continue to experience dermatitis with no obvious cause [6].

Understanding Glove Allergies

Latex allergies are caused by the latex proteins in natural rubber products like disposable gloves. A glove allergy can occur through direct contact or by inhaling latex particles, so it&#;s crucial that employers use hypoallergenic options to protect those with sensitive skin. 

Learn more about the common types of glove materials, how to prevent allergic reactions from gloves and the hypoallergenic options out there.

Types of Disposable Glove Materials

There are multiple materials that go into making gloves, and the types of disposable gloves include: 

  • Polyethylene: Polyethylene gloves are a thin material made for light-duty tasks. Food workers often see them as the economical choice when they need to change gloves frequently between prep tasks. 
    Latex: When you need a versatile type of glove, latex gloves are an excellent choice. While it does contain a protein that can cause allergies in some people, the material is flexible and practical for nearly any application other than high-risk uses.
  • Neoprene: The flexible, heat-resistant material neoprene makes a thick and reusable glove. These gloves are perfect for high-risk applications like dishwashing and wet handling. 
  • Vinyl: Made for food service, vinyl gloves are safe, comfortable and latex-free. They can be used for food prep, cooking or even low-risk janitorial work.
  • Nitrile: Perhaps the most versatile type of glove material, nitrile gloves come in various thicknesses and styles. They can be used for most tasks and are resistant to many chemicals and other hazardous substances. They also make excellent gloves for allergic hands, as reactions to the material are extremely rare.

What Causes Disposable Glove Allergies?

There are several reasons disposable gloves might cause an allergic reaction, including: 

  • Cross-contamination: While there are non-latex options that can keep your skin safe, sometimes these gloves are made in the same factories as latex gloves, which means there&#;s a possibility of cross-contamination of latex proteins. SUNLINE Supply is an company that carries only the highest-rated personal protective equipment (PPE), so you can rest assured you receive high-quality protective gear for your company.
  • Accelerators used in production: The accelerators like carbonates and thiurams used in the production of disposable gloves could also cause an allergic reaction. For instance, while rare, the petroleum used in vinyl gloves has caused a vinyl allergy in some users. At the same time, many chemicals used in nitrile can cause nitrile glove allergy symptoms like a red, itchy rash.
  • Irritative substance on the hands: Another common cause of allergic reactions is certain substances on the hand. While soaps and scented lotions aren&#;t typically irritating on an exposed hand, gloves might exacerbate the response in some users by pressing the substances against the hand. 
  • Lac of ventilation: A lack of proper glove ventilation can be another cause of an allergic reaction. Different gloves have varying degrees of breathability, and for those without adequate ventilation, the glove can sweat and cause the material to permeate chemicals onto the hand. 
  • Wearing the glove longer than intended: Most disposable gloves have an intended wearing time and a chemical resistance level. Should the glove be worn longer than intended, chemicals might leak through and cause a glove rash on the hands.

How Common Are Disposable Glove Allergies?

Latex allergy is rare &#; affecting approximately 1% of the population. Allergic contact dermatitis is a common type of reaction in these cases.

Certain groups tend to have a greater risk of developing a latex allergy. These groups include:

  • People who have multiple surgeries or medical procedures, such as those who frequently use latex catheters.
  • Healthcare workers and other people who often wear latex gloves, such as food handlers, hairdressers, security personnel, painters and first responders.
  • People with a personal or family history of allergies, such as hay fever or food allergies.

New cases of latex allergies are likely less common because healthcare workers use fewer latex products today. Now many healthcare centers use non-latex gloves and other protective equipment.

Disposable Glove Allergy Symptoms

Disposable glove allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. The allergic reaction depends on your level of sensitivity to the material and the amount you touch or inhale. The reaction can worsen with each exposure. An allergic reaction can also occur by breathing in latex particles released into the air when someone removes their latex gloves. 

Some workers who experience a latex glove allergic reaction might have a Type I latex allergy, which is a hypersensitivity to the latex protein. This type of reaction typically occurs within minutes of exposure, causing symptoms like:

  • Sneezing
  • Skin redness
  • Hives or rash
  • Scratchy throat
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Swelling and itching of the skin, particularly on the hands 

In some cases, a latex glove allergy can involve more severe reactions, including:

  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • In rare cases, anaphylaxis shock and death

Another glove-related allergic reaction is Type IV response, or allergic contact dermatitis. In chronic cases, this reaction manifests in itchy, red blisters or dry skin and scabbing sores.

 Some people show symptoms of both Type I and Type IV reactions, so it&#;s essential to receive a diagnosis from a medical professional to determine the root of the allergic reaction. 

Disposable Glove Allergy Relief and Prevention

While glove allergic reaction can be highly uncomfortable, there are ways to prevent a reaction: 

  1. Wash your hands with mild soap and dry thoroughly after removing your gloves.
  2. Do not use oil-based hand creams while using latex gloves.
  3. Do not use wet gloves or wear them with wet hands.
  4. Use a cotton liner on the inside of the gloves in case of prolonged exposure.
  5. Treat underlying hand eczema.
  6. Use powder-free gloves.

People who develop an allergic reaction to latex should avoid using the material. They should stick to non-latex or hypoallergenic gloves to protect themselves and prevent a glove rash on the hands. Anyone around the allergic person should also wear latex-free gloves or powder-free latex options. The same goes for employees with a vinyl allergy. 

Employers can help prepare for glove allergies by educating staff about possible signs and symptoms. Using alternative products is a simple solution to an otherwise troublesome situation. 

Find Hypoallergenic Disposable Gloves at SUNLINE Supply

Whether in the food or healthcare industry, it&#;s essential to look for high-quality PPE that&#;s safe for your employees. At SUNLINE Supply, we offer only latex-free, allergy-safe disposable gloves to provide safe and effective PPE for employees. Choose from alternatives ideal for sensitive skin, such as nitrile and vinyl gloves.

Our high-quality products come in bulk and are available at the best prices. Place your order online or contact our team for more information on available products.

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