Julie, dental hygienist:

• Julie developed itchy hands and hay-fever like symptoms when wearing powdered latex gloves.
• Her symptoms continued even when latex-free gloves were provided for her because co-workers wore powdered latex gloves
• Julie has worked for the past 4 years without any problems in a NHS trust with a powder-free policy
  

Justin works in an operating theatre and developed Type I Latex Allergy through the use of latex gloves. He also has eczema so was at risk of related allergies which was not picked up and thought through carefully:

• An Occupational Health physician diagnosed his allergy when he was in his current employment . In response to his diagnosis his place of work was risk-assessed
• Justin now wears synthetic rubber gloves and his colleagues continue to use low-protein powder-free latex gloves
• Justin’s colleagues have all received education from the Trust’s responsible person to protect him and to minimise his risks
• Justin continues to work as in theatres and does not currently experience any symptoms.
  

Jen was a newly qualified staff nurse when she developed Type 1 Latex Allergy. She had been in training for three years prior to this role :

• Jen’s workplaces were risk-assessed following diagnosis and with the support of her colleagues who were keen to help keep her safe J continues to work successfully in her clinical area
• Jen’s colleagues have all received education from the Trust’s responsible person and from J who has made herself knowledgeable to minimise her risks
• Jen actively works to improve understanding of the sensitised individual’s perspective. This helps to improve patient care
• Jen has worked on both Intensive Care Unit and an acute ward since diagnosis

back to case studies