Final answer:
When a patient is allergic to latex, healthcare providers should use nitrile or vinyl gloves as alternatives. Both are hypoallergenic and do not trigger latex allergies, which are a type IV hypersensitivity reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is allergic to latex, it is important to use alternative materials for gloves to avoid triggering the allergic reaction. There are two common types of non-latex gloves that can be used: nitrile gloves and vinyl gloves. Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber compound that is hypoallergenic, which makes them a great alternative for those with latex allergies. Vinyl gloves, on the other hand, are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plastizers, which do not contain latex proteins and therefore are another safe choice for individuals with latex allergies.
Latex allergies can manifest as a type IV hypersensitivity, known as a delayed-type hypersensitivity. This means that when the skin comes into contact with latex, the allergic reaction may not happen immediately but can develop over a period of time, causing symptoms such as rash, itching, and swelling. To prevent triggering such reactions, healthcare providers should ensure they are using appropriate non-latex gloves when dealing with latex-sensitive patients.