The causes of latex allergies and how to reduce them.

In people with a corresponding predisposition, the immune system incorrectly recognises these proteins as harmful and reacts with an allergic defence reaction. It is therefore not the latex itself, but the natural proteins contained in the latex.

Some common allergenic proteins in latex are, for example, Hev b 1-Hev b 13. However, it is possible to reduce the proportion or extractable proteins.

We use natural rubber with a particularly low protein content for our latex clothing. This proportion can be further reduced using special processes. You can find out exactly how this process works in this blog article.

Why the increase in latex allergies?

There are several reasons why more people have been affected in recent decades:

-Increased use of latex gloves

In the 1980s-1990s, the use of latex gloves rose sharply (HIV and hepatitis prevention in healthcare). More exposure → higher sensitisation

-Changes in production using the example of latex gloves

Modern manufacturing processes often use rapid vulcanisation and accelerated processes. As a result, the proteins remain almost entirely in the product. In the past, latex gloves were washed during the production process. There were longer washing and water treatment phases. This no longer happens today because it takes too long and the costs would increase enormously as a result.

-Hygiene and diagnostic effects

Better detection of latex allergies → apparent increase. More frequent reports from medical professions because these occupational groups are particularly exposed.

Can latex clothing be treated in such a way that it causes no or only minor allergic reactions?

The protein content can be greatly reduced, but it is practically very difficult to produce completely allergy-free latex clothing. However, there are companies (which we have visited ourselves) that produce medical latex items using an immersion process and can provide certificates confirming completely allergy-free production through intensive washing and chlorination .

Here we present some methods for making latex clothing largely free of proteins

Methods:

• Leaching / washing
  Latex items are soaked in water - often several times - to wash out soluble proteins. The longer and more frequently this is done, the more proteins are removed. To do this, simply soak the latex clothing completely in cold water for about 24 hours. If the water is also changed, all the better. It is also beneficial to knead the clothing occasionally.
  
  Don't worry about white milky patches or stains: The material absorbs water (transparent latex becomes milky, for example). When the latex is properly dry again, it will return to its original colour or transparency. -
• Chlorination

Chemical treatment in which the surface of the latex is treated with chlorine. We offer this treatment process. We strongly advise against chlorinating the gloves yourself, as this requires a lot of equipment and filter systems.

1. Proteins are denatured or removed from the surface.
2. Latex clothing feels smoother ("chlorinated gloves").
3. Chlorinated latex gloves in the medical sector are considered "low-protein", but are often additionally washed.

Drying and storage:
After soaking, allow the latex clothing to air dry in a shady place , then apply a thin layer of silicone care product (not oil/grease). Silicone oil forms a protective film on the latex surface. This film protects the latex itself and also the wearer from any remaining protein residue.

Our treatment of latex clothing in the production process

We treat latex clothing as follows:

We always wash the finished latex clothing. Chlorination further reduces the proteins contained in the latex, which can trigger allergic reactions. If chlorination is desired, your clothing is soaked in water after chlorination and washed again.

This means that your latex clothing is always washed completely at least once before it is delivered to you. Chlorinated clothing is washed twice. A slight chlorine odour may still be present after chlorination. In this case, we recommend soaking the clothing in water at home for around 24 hours to flush out any further proteins, or simply washing it once by hand using a special latex detergent. However, chlorine evaporates after some time and degrades by itself.