Rubber gloves have long been the main cause of delayed rubber chemical allergy, and the main sensitizers include thiurams, dithiocarbamates and benzothiazoles (Table 19.2). Both natural and synthetic rubbers contain these additives. Table 19.3 contains other sensitizing chemicals in rubber gloves.

Immediate allergy to the proteins of natural rubber latex is mostly caused by natural rubber gloves. Healthcare workers are a major risk group for occupational sensitization. This allergy has, however, become quite rare in several European countries, for example, in Germany [4].

Plastic gloves may also cause delayed contact allergy. Most reported cases have been due to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gloves. The reported allergens have been additives such as plasticizers, antioxidants, antimicrobials or colouring agents [5]. None of the allergens in PVC gloves have had worldwide importance, probably because they vary greatly and can be easily replaced by other compounds. Table 19.3 contains some of the rare allergens that are available as commercial allergens. The actual sensitizer in plastic gloves often remains undetermined [2] (Fig. 19.1).

Colouring agents are also rare causes of delayed contact allergy in textile and leather gloves.