What are Nitrile Gloves?

from post # 16:

"... my finger tips split open and bleed, I get bubbly rashes on my hands, and they too look like they have been through a meat grinder...ick... "

This sounds like what I had. My doctor gave me an anti-fungal medicine. It worked. It did take time for it to work, but, once it cleared up, the ick stayed away for almost a year. At that time, I talked to my doctor, got another course of the medicine, and, once again, it cleared up. I still occasionally get outbreaks, but, on the whole, my hands are clear.

I also have very dry hands, so, I still wear gloves when cooking and cleaning to keep the chances of chapping and splitting down.

I was wearing nitrile-coated gloves similar to pic related for 12 hours and they smell horrible and it's been about 18 or so hours since I last took them off and despite efforts at cleaning my hands and everything they still smell horrible. Are these things poisonous and am I fucked now? How do I get rid of the horrible smell?

The packaging name for these gloves is:

Nitrile Coated General Purpose Gloves and they are made in China.

These things are awful smelling.

As far as dermatitis problems go, I've been dealing with them too, but I discovered a way to beat it.

I still struggle off and on but it's not near as bad as it used to be. I will drink natural apple cider vinegar (with the mother) mixed with apple juice to help detox things in the blood and skin.

For the really rashy parts (thick, red leathery skin) I used Calamine lotion over the area. The rash would dry up leaving new healthy skin underneath. I would moisturize my hands with Carmex hand moisturizer. I eat dark green, leafy veggies mixed with wheat germ, Bolts Red Mill Muesli mix, croutons, and Italian dressing for flavor.

I have chronic dermatitis and skin cracking as well as dermatitis caused by steroidal cream overuse, which causes break down in proteins in the skin, I believe. I used an all natural protein powder supplement which strengthened my skin. The best is MRM's protein isolate powders. I haven't tried this, but I would imagine that taking collagen and elastin supplements or applying collagen/elastin creams to the affected area may help too. Those are the crucial proteins for skin.

I have a severe latex allergy. The people who are most difficult and ignorant about it are medical people. I'm a nurse and have to educate my fellow workers. At first it started as a rash but now I can't be near and breathe it in. Two of my kids have never had balloons. So if you have a rash now, please don't expose yourself anymore, to which ever glove you are allergic to.

I'm a nurse in the UK experiencing the same problems as many have mentioned on this site. Despite wearing accelerator free gloves and hand washing with dermol lotion (which has antifungal and antimicrobial properties as well as being far kinder to my skin than soap), I still have dermatitis.

I wear white cotton gloves at home nearly all the time and now think I should wear these at work underneath the nitrile gloves. When my skin gets really bad, I use a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream but I try not to use this more than necessary because it thins the skin.

As if the dermatitis wasn't bad enough, over the years the steroid cream has thinned my skin in patches on my hands! These thin areas are much more prone to beakdown. I don't think I can continue nursing for much longer with all this to contend with.

I was surprised to read of negative comments about blue nitrile gloves. I was in the business of cleaning for six years and we all wore these gloves daily. I remember one co-worker who wore them the full eight hour shift. Yes they break after an hour or so of hard work, and I worked mine hard, but I love these gloves. I never saw any adverse reaction to them. In fact, when our manager complained about the cost to supply the whole department, we refused to work until she provided these gloves.

I just found them at a local supply store and I was very happy to buy a few boxes, at a very reasonable price.

I work at a factory that uses glue to seal plastic packages and several people were taken off this job because they broke out on their hands and their skin came off just on their hands so they assumed it was from the glue, but I worked seven months without using gloves on this job and I did itch on the palm of my left hand and sometimes my fingers but I could handle that.

Then I cut my finger and I started wearing dark blue nitrile gloves and then my real problems started with blisters, cracks and bleeding on my fingertips. I believe I am allergic to nitrile gloves so I am being allergy tested Monday. I've tried a lot of different gloves on my hands and tried wearing cotton gloves underneath the nitrile but nothing helps. I will keep you all posted on my condition.

Why is it so hard to find out what gloves are made of? I keep searching for accelerant free gloves and can't really find anything. It should be easier, and I did write down all the names in posts, so thank you for that.

@ no. 16: I think you are right on the money. This is weird. Today I used a new bought pair of nitrile coated palm carrot tops gloves. They are great and tough for garden working. I was at it for a couple of hours, just took them off, washed my hands and now my hands are very dry, with shriveling skin on my palms and fingers. Then I looked at the tag: made in china.

The last Watson gloves I got were made in the USA and are very comfortable and wearable. I also use nitrile gloves at work and have no problems. I think perhaps it is something about this pair of gloves that is causing the problem.

Just a thought: maybe you should have the made in china nitrile gloves tested just to see what makes wearing them wear/feel different to the skin.

If you have an allergy, check how the gloves are stored, try the cornstarch, or the cotton gloves inside. It's a pain. I know because I also suffer the red, chapped skin and blisters. I thought it was the soap from frequent hand washing, but I am allergic to latex.

I have to use the cotton gloves under the nitrile gloves. I wish there was something out there, for folks like me who are allergic.

Two days ago I had my teeth cleaned. My appointment was at 2 p.m. By the time I got back to work, I looked like I had a sunburn on my chin, nose, cheeks and in the middle of my forehead. By the time I got off work, I had welts and swelling in those areas, plus my gums had turned a purplish color and felt raw and bruised, even though at the time of the visit they were fine.

I ended up taking four Benadryl before the night was over just so I didn't look like the elephant man. The next morning I called the dentist and asked what kind of gloves they used and was told nitrile. They were very surprised that I had a reaction. I ended up having to go to my pcp and get a steroid shot and they had me continue to take the antihistamines. Not pleasant.

I never had a latex allergy, but last time I went to the lab to have bloodwork done, the worker rested his hand (in a blue glove) on my arm as he was drawing the blood. A few hours later, I already had a rash where the glove had touched me and it got worse. I had it for five or six days!

Today I went back and got the same guy. I told him not to touch me with that glove! He kept arguing that it wasn't latex. I said whatever it was, I broke out from it. He put a paper towel on my arm so his glove wouldn't touch me. I checked the box on the counter and it was nitrile.

So even though I am not allergic to latex, I am apparently allergic to nitrile or whatever else is on nitrile gloves.

@Anon50831: I work in food service and have developed similar issues with my hands. After severe burns from using what's called a "quat sanitizer" (Quaternary Ammonium) I was desperate to find a solution. I thought that washing my hands after exposure to the sanitizer would work well, but apparently any exposure causes my hands to turn red, dry up and crack painfully. Especially painful are the backs of my wrist and hand.

I probably wash my hands between 25 and 50 times a day during a normal 8 hour shift. I have found that the sanitizer we use (Called Super Saiyan) eats my hands up horribly. On top of this, the soap and constant washing of my hands over 100 times a week causes cracking and itching.

I am looking for solutions and I have used nitrile gloves when possible while washing dishes, reaching into sanitizer or cleaning surfaces and this has helped some. If anyone has any ideas about how to help me out, I am all ears because painful skin conditions were not part of my job description. It is unfortunate I need this job so badly that I will put up with the physical pain it causes me.

Have any of you seen patients develop dyshidrotic eczema in response to caregivers using vinyl, latex free, powder free, blue disposable gloves?

I'm an engineer and use nitrile gloves, but I have found that they make my hands very sore and cracked and blistered and even bleed just by bending my fingers. I'm now convinced not to use them any more.

We think and hope these health and safety measures will keep us free from harm, but it's the exact opposite in this case. Think I'll go back to old school, with bare hands from now on.

It's a shame for people in the medical professions. I just don't know what to suggest for them, apart from getting the glove makers to do their job properly.

For those getting reactions to gloves, wear a thin pair of cotton gloves under your glove of choice. Change cotton gloves every few hours.

I'm a medical/surgical RN who has been working at the same central FL hospital for 15 years. They switched to nitrile gloves about five or six years ago.

I've developed a reaction to the nitrile gloves in the past year. At first, I thought it was just the usual sensitivity during the winter in my hands, as florida does get very dry during the winter, but now my hands are becoming inflamed at the knuckles and are cracking and bleeding.

The other night, I had to rewrite a whole page of charting as I did not realize my pinky knuckle was bleeding on the page. I cannot continue like this. I will have to leave nursing if I don't find a solution.

I'm thankful for all the postings here and info. I will try the things suggested and hope to hell something works. It's a relief to find others experiencing this. My hospital has a tendency to treat individuals as troublemakers or delusional if they are the only one voicing a concern about something. Remember the Reagan administration's strong stance against stem cell research, which among other benefits, is being studied in the treatment of Alzheimer's patients? Remember how they did a complete 180 degree shift in position when ol' Ronnie came down with the condition? Some people have no empathy for others until the "thing" visits their door personally. It's like that.

@anon62974: Your comment "all my nurses seem to prefer nitrile gloves over vinyl or latex" is extremely insensitive and inappropriate. How lucky for you and your nurses, but we are people who are having very real, serious reactions that may develop into life-threatening reactions, or at the very least, cost us our professions. Remarks about how nitrile gloves are causing no problems for you and yours are insensitive and have no place here.

I was allergic to nitrile gloves but then I got some advice and contacted gloveman online and they helped me out with my choices.

I am a surgeon who developed an allergy to nitrile gloves. I get the (now typical) redness, itchy welts, and burning. I was afraid I’d have to give up surgery.

The chemicals used in the manufacturing of nitrile gloves is responsible for allergies. The chemicals carbamates and thirumas used in manufacturing can cause an allergy. Sometimes, the dyes used in the glove can also cause an allergy.

There is a brand of gloves that do not use carbamates and thiruma in the curing process. “Ansell Derma Prene Ultra” gloves have allowed me to resume surgery.

I still get a very mild reaction to the gloves if I need to use them for over four hours, but I have found some additional tricks that control my allergic reaction:

I allow the cuff of my surgical sleeve to cover as much of my hand and knuckles as possible limiting glove exposure to as little of the fingers as possible.

After several hours of glove use, I use 1 percent cortisone cream on my hands at bedtime for additional control of the allergic reaction.

I, too, am allergic to nitrile it seems. I've only ever used latex at my previous jobs and now I am using nitrile. The backs of both my hands are breaking out in red, itchy, burning patches. My lips are also breaking out. I try not to touch my face at work and I wash my hands frequently. I also change gloves frequently. I am not allowed to bring in latex gloves because two of our MD's are allergic. I don't know what to do. I'm at a loss and I don't think it's fair that I am being ignored.

I am a scientist who wears latex gloves every day. I even touch a nitrile or vinyl glove and my hands swell instantly. In addition, my son appears to be allergic to nitrile/vinyl/acrylic. Shower curtains, bath mats, gloves, tables coated in vinyl. His whole body swells, no issues with latex. Someone explain this as there is so little information out there.

I see all of the allergic reactions for people who wear the gloves. Where are all of the patients of the dentists who wear these and put them in the mouths of people who are allergic? I'm one of those.

It has taken years to figure out why my mouth started breaking out every time I went to the dentist. Blisters, raw, horrible pain for a minimum of a week healing. I'm sure the pain is bad on your hands but try your mouth! I finally changed dentists hoping that the new dentist wouldn't use whatever I was allergic to. I immediately broke out.

Thanks to the new dentist, he researched and made phone calls to check on the nitrile allergies. I'm so thankful to find out what it is.

#16--I think you hit the nail on the head. Chinese manufactured gloves! I wear nitrile gloves in food service (I read the label--Chinese!). Everything coming out of this country appears to be toxic, and I have complained about it. My friends think I'm racist! LOL! Am taking the advice and recommendations of others on here who suffer from the same skin conditions. Health regulations suck. I have to wear these toxic chemicals on my hands and suffer so that the customers will feel safer about their food.

I work on the ambulances. we switched to nitrile a few years ago. I was allergic to them. Used accelerator free and it seemed OK, but now they are starting to go even worse than before. Also, I have read that some people can't even go in a room where they are being used.

To all who are suffering from contact dermatitis from the chemical accelerators used in manufacturing nitrile gloves, try switching to an accelerator free nitrile glove with low dermatitis potential. Many find they can wear this kind of non-latex glove. One brand to try is HandPro Aspen2100AF from Hourglass Industries, Inc.

I haven't tried Shentex, but I use SW gloves at the clinic. They have these cool looking pearlescent ones that moisturize your hands!

My favorite nitrile gloves to date are SW and Shentex Gloves. Their soft nitrile gloves are super stretchy and comfortable. I work in a lab with these on all day and I do not have the usually hand fatigue that I usually experience with other brands of nitrile.

@anon90515 - You should never wash and reuse gloves! They are designed for one use and to be thrown away. Under no circumstances should you wash and reuse gloves as the residue of chemicals will still be on the outside of the glove. Tell your boss to stop being cheap and be more concerned with your health and safety. If they refuse, report them to OSHA and see what they have to say about washing and reusing.

We use the nitrile gloves for the handling of chemicals (agricultural business). Now the manager wants the employees to wash the gloves and keep using them for at least three days (instead of one day). Any comments on this?

My lips have broken out really really bad since I have been using vinyl gloves. Anyone else have this problem? They are swollen and raw. Each day I use the gloves, the swelling gets worse.

Want a simple and inexpensive solution? Don't wear gloves. Remove them and allow your hands to breathe as much as possible. I have worked in many medical laboratories and there is a silent conspiracy, particularly among older workers to avoid using gloves altogether.

If we are handling gobs of biohazardous materials or stool specimens or obviously dangerous stuff, we glove up. And when we finish, we degloved and wash and proceed barehanded.

When we do wear gloves, we too, get the blisters, the cracks, the thickening of skin and the drying and peeling. I can no longer play my guitar, thanks to the medical industry being ever so concerned for my protection.

We view gloves as a hazard, actually. The allergic dermatitis is the first obvious problem. I have known some colleagues who develop anaphylaxis when they are near latex gloves - and many of the places I have worked actually forbid the use of latex.

Another problem that is not obvious is the false sense of security given by wearing gloves. It's easy to get sloppy - very sloppy - when handling things with gloves, because one feels "protected." So digits and palms acquire deposits of serum, urine and other biohazards and the glove protects us from it and many, many workers mindlessly wander around with dirty gloves, touching stuff in the environment, like the phone and handles on the sink, the door, the toilet and the next patient's skin.

The next person to touch the same things in the environment recently contaminated by the gloved one is thus exposed to invisible biohazards.

I think without gloves, except for large and/or dangerous exposures, the hands are healthier by far, and the workers are more cautious because the don't feel so "protected."

Other than that, demand powder free gloves and dye-free gloves. Powder is probably the absolute worst thing to put in snug gloves. It binds allergenic materials, and inside the glove, it immobilizes large concentrations of allergens right next to sensitive, sweaty skin.

Gloves come in lots of pretty colors, but the dyes used to achieve the colors are often allergenic.

Of course, going bare handed is free, and just like natural immunity, it is free. It will never sell.

I like Nitrile gloves over vinyl and latex. I clean guns pretty often, and notice that no solvent smell will pass through nitrile gloves.

Solvent and the smells will easily pass through and eat up latex and vinyl gloves. Nitrile gloves stay strong and block any smell or solvent.

I am surprised that so many people have this issue. I looked as switching to nitrile because I am allergic to both the latex and vinyl ones. Does anyone know why I am reacting to both types?

I gave up because they are $45 per box - very expensive in NZ. Most boxes are under $10. I found a silicon barrier cream helped a lot, along with a steroid cream.

All of my nurses seem to prefer nitrile gloves over vinyl or latex.

I have an allergy to nitrile, but not to latex, which has been confirmed by my allergist. I have been told I was unique by having an allergy to nitrile, and I am finding out I am not so unique after all.

You have to consider: latex gloves were introduced in the health care setting around 1894 and nitrile gloves in approx 2002. So it is understandable why someone would definitely know about latex allergies, and not an allergy to nitrile gloves.

Considering the posts of allergic reactions to nitrile gloves in such a short period of time, nitrile glove allergies will be well known very soon.

As opposed to latex and nitrile, are vinyl gloves less likely to cause allergic reactions? (I understand there is a problem using them in health care and industrial setting, as they are less protective than latex or nitrile.)

Try wearing cotton gloves underneath the vinyl, latex, etc. Gloves - it worked for me! No drugs!

I had an itch caused by vinyl gloves so now I wear cotton gloves underneath the vinyl gloves and there is no more problem.

This may not work for everyone but it is a drug-free, ointment-free solution; a mechanical solution.

I am a dishwasher. I recently bought a pair of gloves for my job that I thought would work well at resisting the hot temperatures of the water I use. They are "Spontex" Bluettes. They are made of neoprene, nitrile and acrylic. After using them one day, I noticed a rash on my hands. At first I thought it might have been the degreaser that I use in the water --the water will sometimes seep into the sides of my gloves. However, I determined that it was not the degreaser at all.

I have two coworkers who have similar symptoms from using the same type of gloves. In any case, there are three of us with the same allergic reaction. I'm not sure which of the chemicals it is that has caused this rash to appear. Does anyone know?

Also, after reading other's posts, it appears I am not alone. My hands have also broken out with blisters, soreness and dry, bleeding hands. If anyone could give me a resolution to relieve this pain, it would be greatly appreciated.

i too have been using nitrile too and have actually noticed a allergic reaction on my face, rash under my chin from ear to ear -- from the outside of gloves because my hands are okay. I can actually feel my face stinging and a rash coming out as soon as i have the gloves on.

hello. registered nurse here. i believe i am allergic to nitrile gloves. it started as little blisters around the nail. the blisters then pop and ooze a clear liquid that in turn break down the rest of my fingers. then it gets dry and peels. my fingers swell and then when i bend them they crack and bleed. hopefully, someone's tips will help me

Order from Tronex Healthcare. They carry a line of Accelerator Free Gloves

Is there a difference between Nitrile and Nitrate gloves?

it is possible to re-sterilize the nitrile hand gloves. if possible then please provide details on its advantages and disadvantages.

I have also experienced allergies to nitrile gloves; it mostly develops on my fingers. i get these tiny water filled bubbles that itch and burn like crazy. after a while the skin hardens and then peels off. i have found that switching to neoprene gloves gets rid of my allergies.

so it looks as though most of us have similar symptoms and diagnoses. Steroids are not the answer for me. What is working for people? I am a holistic health practitioner. Last year it went on over a year. Now it's come back with a vengeance the last 12 weeks. This is what I am doing: crab apple flower essence

colloidal silver: 2 protocols so far 10 days each month; dakin's solutions baths (ama just came out with great article with this and skin conditions) 2x a week (1 cup clorox in a full bath, sweat, then go to bed, no lotion, no rinsing) This is standard in hospitals; 3 GMS Nordic Natural Fish oils to cut imflammation;

B Complex; excersise for stress relief; Prayer!

Wellness Formula one week a month by Source Naturals; Hemp Hand Cream in cotton gloves at night, and during the day when you can.

Build the immune system, cut stress, get rid of people getting under your skin, clean up your diet. No fast food, high-fructose corn syrup, and only organic dairy; if you must have dairy at all.

Chapparal Salve is wonderful if you can find someone that makes it. Its an underground herb.

i am allergic to nitrile gloves, but not latex, so i know i do not have a problem with the accelerators that are used in making both types of gloves. My allergy is so severe i turn red, start shaking, have difficulty breathing and swallowing from even walking into a room with nitrile gloves. i spoke with a rep from kimberly clark, who admitted that they knew that there were individuals like me that were sensitive to the nitrile gloves, that they were receiving more calls from individuals having problems with the nitrile gloves. she asked what could she do for me. when i told her i would like the company to inform the hospitals and clinics that the nitrile gloves were not the fix all to the latex problem, that there are people that are sensitive/allergic to the nitrile gloves, and that the same accelerants are used in making both latex and nitrile, so the people that are allergic to the accelerants still have a problem when they switch from latex to nitrile. because these gloves have been so well promoted, hospitals and clinics can't believe that there is individuals like me who have an allergy to the nitrile not latex. the rep started stuttering and got a little hateful. needless to say i haven't heard another word from anyone at kimberly clark. i believe everyone having a problem with the nitrile gloves and accelerators used in both gloves, should come together and insist that these companies make it known to the hospitals and clinics that there are other allergies other than latex.

#16 and #17 you sound like you have what i have. Dyshydrotic eczema. It is made worse by allergies to some of the agents they use to make the gloves and many cosmetics and soaps. Allergies sure are a pain. Here are some of the brands of gloves recommended for those with allergies. Tactylon, Eudermic, Ultraderm and Derma Prene. I hope you find this info helpful. I'm just a housewife and I can't even give my kids a bath without wearing some sort of gloves.

I have eczema. My symptoms are the same as #16's. It has nothing to do with the type of gloves so much as the reaction of our skin to the tight quarters of the gloves. Longer you wear them, the worse they are

Hi, I am having the same problem. I have been in the dental industry for over 10 years and have never had a problem to gloves. Last year, I developed a rash that started on my thumb. I've been to countless doctors, and am now up for rasp testing.

I have switched from Latex, to Vinyl, to Nitrile Accelerant Free, each alleviating my symptoms somewhat and then progressing to the point where my finger tips split open and bleed, I get bubbly rashes on my hands, and they too look like they have been through a meat grinder...ick...

I am now out of work for the second time.

I have been doing research, and has anyone looked into where these gloves are produced and by whom??

They all come from countries that have no production laws, and are often times made by prisoners using "forced labor". They are made in gross disgusting environments by people who are sick, unhealthy, and carry disease, as well as have open skin lesions on their hands.

While everyone is looking at us like we are crazy, why isn't anyone looking at the production facilities where these are made? Why doesn't the medical Industry stand up and *demand* better production?

Please comment, I'd love to hear thoughts on this.

Also, has anyone had luck with workman's compensation? Thanks.

I too work in the health care field. I cannot wear latex or powdered gloves because of allergy to them. My company has always supplied me with latex free, powder free gloves. They are now switching to nitrile gloves.

The first day I wore them they broke me out just like the latex did. Itchy red bumps and if I wear them too long I blister. They have informed us they are discontinuing all other gloves and going completely nitrile!

Please, for all you with nitrile allergies... either have your company buy it or buy it yourself. The product I'm talking about are accelerator free rated nitrile gloves. I know showa-best offers one in green. Look it up.

To anon22190: I work for a chemical manufacture and we switched from latex to nitrile gloves. Now my palms look like they've been through a meat grinder. I've been to two doctors and when I tell them I think it's the nitrile gloves they tell me I'm crazy. My employer will not let me switch back to latex gloves because someone may complain if they are even in the building. I've found no cure or solution.

i am also in the medical profession and have been fighting allergies on my hands, palm side only. this started when we switched to nitrile gloves. my hands itch, burn, crack, form blisters and the skin just peels off. i've seen 6 different allergists and dermatologists. its been going on for a year now. it hurts, looks disgusting and i'm tired of it. help me cure this any suggestions greatly appreciated, thanks.

china nitrile glove manufacture, i agree, this kind of glove is suitable for any one.

Anon, you probably have, Like me a type IV allergy, specifically to the accelerators used in the production process of both latex and normal nitrile gloves. Try out the accelerator free nitrile gloves, they might be the answer. I'm looking forward to trying these myself, as I'm waiting for my company to order them.

the next question is totally accurate and is not intended to be funny in any way. I used a nitrile glove in place of a condom one night. Is this potentially dangerous/or could pregnancy result from this choice?

if i`m allergic to latex (type I) what risk do i have to develop allergy to nitrile?. i want to know because i`ve been using vinyl gloves, but i want a better protection against virus like hepatitis and HIV.

I am allergic to nitrile gloves. The backs of my hands break out in horribly itchy red patches, and with prolonged exposure, they bleed and form blisters. As a respiratory therapist, I must change gloves sometimes 50 to 60 times a night. This is no exaggeration! Latex gloves are wonderful, I have absolutely no reaction. But our hospital is switching to almost all nitrile gloves. i believe this is in response to deals from nitrile distributors, rather than in response to provide gloves for latex sensitive patients. Other health care workers who experience this problem, please post here!

Hi-- Is there any difference in the thickness among the medical, high-risk and utility grades of nitrile gloves?

--JWFlower

What is the difference between nitrile and neoprene gloves?

Allergies to nitrile gloves do exist, but are not as common as allergies to latex gloves.

Will there be any patient reactions to the gloves.