There are three types of reactions to natural rubber latex gloves: Irritant contact dermatitis, type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity, and type I (immediate) hypersensitivity, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Understanding the difference between them is an important part of minimizing reactions.

The most common reaction to latex gloves is irritant contact dermatitis, which is the development of dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin. This type of reaction—which is not an allergy— usually occurs on the hands and is caused by extended exposure to latex gloves or the powders added to them. Contact symptoms may also result from a delayed immune response to the chemicals added to latex during harvesting, processing or manufacturing. These chemicals can cause a skin rash similar to poison ivy.

Latex Allergies: Type IV
Type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity is usually a sensitivity to chemicals used to make latex gloves, rather than to proteins from the natural rubber itself. These chemicals, such as antioxidants, emulsifiers, stabilizers, accelerators, stiffeners, colorants, and fragrances, can cause a contact dermatitis 24-48 hours after exposure, according to the AAFA. Symptoms, such as a rash, usually clear up spontaneously. Type IV hypersensitivity is also called allergic contact dermatitis, T-cell-mediated allergy, or chemical allergy. It is estimated that 80 percent of people who develop type I reactions experienced type IV reactions first, the AAFA said. Approximately 7 to 18 percent of the population has type IV hypersensitivity.

Latex Allergies: Type I
Type I (immediate-type) hypersensitivity is an allergy to natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis) proteins that occurs as a response to exposure. A wide variety of clinical symptoms can result, including hives, nausea, abdominal cramping, and facial swelling with itchy, watery eyes. Latex sensitive people may even require emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Type I reactions affect less than 1% of the population.

So how can you tell which type of allergic reaction is occurring? Type IV reactions, are generally not life-threatening and tend to be localized near the area of contact, the AAFA said. However, Type I reactions tend to be general and can be life-threatening.

The AAFA advises people with Type I hypersensitivity to avoid latex allergen exposure (especially through latex gloves) and also be aware of chemical-induced delayed reactions that can be confused for reactions to latex proteins. Keeping a written record of reactions and their causes can help differentiate life-threatening Type 1 reactions from merely irritating Type IV symptoms. And this can help physicians offer more targeted treatment.

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