Latex gloves are often coated with a fine powder that helps keep them from sticking together. However, this powder carries the latex proteins into the air, where they can be inhaled. Powder-free gloves help stop the spread of latex proteins into the air, and may decrease your risk for developing a latex allergy. Your employer should provide powder-free, low-protein latex gloves.

• If appropriate nonlatex gloves are available, choose these.

• Choose heavy-duty housekeeping gloves instead of latex surgical gloves for housekeeping tasks.

• Don’t wear gloves at all if you don’t need them. For instance, taking a patient’s blood pressure or pulse usually doesn’t require gloves. But be sure the equipment itself doesn't not contain latex.

• Choose plastic or other nonlatex gloves if gloves are needed for food preparation.

• Wash your hands and dry them well before putting on gloves and after removing them.

• Don't use oil-based hand creams or lotions. They can break down the latex and make the proteins more likely to stick to your hands.

• Don't snap your gloves when putting them on or taking them off.