Two common reactions to latex gloves are

• A. Bacterial infection
• B. Viral infection
• C. Irritant dermatitis
• D. Irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis

Answer: (D)

Two common reactions to wearing latex gloves are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis isn’t an immune reaction; it happens when skin is irritated by moisture, friction, or chemicals from the gloves or their powder, and it can affect anyone with enough exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune-mediated response that occurs in someone who has become sensitized to latex proteins or glove additives, producing itching, redness, and sometimes vesicles at the contact site. Infections such as bacterial or viral issues aren’t direct reactions to wearing gloves. The exam focuses on these dermatitis types because they are the typical skin reactions people experience with latex glove use.