Cornstarch first used as a lubricant for latex and examination latex
gloves, has been documented as causing inflammation of wounds and
promoting infection.
Home care workers as well as other health care workers need to be
aware of the dangers of using cornstarch or latex (with high levels of
latex proteins) either separately,or when combined for use in powdered
surgical gloves.These powdered latex gloves are at this time available
for home care use, unfortunately, through mail order catalogs.
While the microscopic evidence of cornstarch induced adhesions
disappears within a year, the effects of cornstarch upon scarred
tissue causes permanent disability.It would not seem wise either to
use commercially available cornstarch powder on infants or others.
High levels of soluable latex proteins in gloves by themselves,can act as
allergens to both health care workers and patients. It was soon
learned that added cornstarch acted as a carrier for latex/proteins/
allergens.
Well-documented reactions to latex include a runny nose, asthma and
life threatening anaphylactic shock.
Cases of latex allergy have increased drastically in the last ten
years.The American Collge of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology,estimates
18 million people are now allergic or sensitive to latex.
On 1/7/98 the watchdog group Public Citizen, filed a petition to ban
use of powdered surgical gloves with the FDA. It is best to use only
powder free gloves-gloves that have low levels of soluable latex
proteins.At this point I don't know if it is possible for the consumer
to determine which latex gloves do have low levels of soluable latex
proteins.
According to the Centers for Devices and Radiological Health's report
in 7/97, the simplist alternative to protect patient and caregiver
from the dangers of powdered surgical gloves is to ban these gloves
at some predetermined time in the future.
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