Latex allergies - Dental hygienist

Case study: Julie

Sector : Dental practices

Condition: Latex allergy

Julie worked as a dental hygienist and suffered itchy hands and hay-fever-like symptoms, because of wearing powdered latex gloves in the course of her duties.

Julie tried to alleviate her symptoms by switching to latex-free gloves, but when her symptoms persisted she realised that she was still affected by her colleagues' use of powdered latex gloves.

For the past four years, Julie has been able to work without experiencing any problems as her NHS trust now has a powder-free glove policy.