Take the following steps to protect yourself and your patient from allergic reactions to latex:

• Use nonlatex (for example, vinyl or synthetic) gloves for activities that aren't likely to involve contact with infectious materials (food preparation, routine cleaning, and so forth).

• Use appropriate barrier protection when handling infectious materials. If you choose latex gloves, use powder-free gloves with reduced protein content. The powder can aerosolize and elicit a reaction in a sensitive patient from breathing in the airborne protein particles.

• After wearing and removing gloves, wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly.

• When wearing latex gloves, don't use oil-based hand creams or lotions (which can cause gloves to deteriorate) unless they've been shown to maintain glove barrier protection.

• Refer to the material safety data sheet for the appropriate glove to wear when handling chemicals.

• Learn procedures for preventing latex allergy, and learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of latex allergy: skin rashes; hives; flushing; itching; nasal, eye, or sinus symptoms; asthma; and shock.

• If you have (or suspect you have) a latex sensitivity, use nonlatex gloves, avoid contact with latex gloves and other latex-containing products, and consult a doctor experienced in treating latex allergy.

If you have latex allergy, consider these precautions:

• Avoid contact with latex gloves and other products that contain latex.

• Avoid areas where you might inhale the powder from latex gloves worn by other workers.

• Inform your employers and your health care providers (doctors, nurses, dentists, and others).

• Wear a medical identification bracelet.

• Follow your doctor's instructions for dealing with allergic reactions to latex.