This is an allergy that can enter into the world of a body piercer:
Piercer
- When starting out as a Piercer, dermatitis from frequent handwashing can result. This is often thought to be an allergy to latex – but often isn’t. With regular use of a hand moisturizer – sorbolene is good for fast absorption – it will usually settle down.
- Switching to powder-free gloves sometimes helps too. It can be an allergy to the powder in gloves and not the latex itself.
- If you actually do have a latex allergy then Nitrile gloves are a good alternative
Side Note: Latex allergy seems far more common in the USA when compared to Australia. Nevertheless – an allergy can develop over time – but not always. I have been using latex for 20 years without consequence. However if you suspect you may have a latex allergy please see your physician for testing.
Piercee
- If a client lists a latex allergy on their consent form, then the safest option is to use Nitrile gloves or another alternative. Nitrile gloves are often better – than say vinyl – as they still provide good fit and comfort.
- If you don’t have an alternative – then only use gloves for the actual piercing and really try to reduce the amount you touch the person. This is a LAST resort option if your client only has a mild allergy! To avoid having to do this – stock nitrile gloves in your size as a backup just in case. A person with a severe allergy should not have latex around them at all – and for that matter – may even react by being in a studio that uses latex gloves.
- An interesting piece of information from OSHA:
“Latex allergy is also associated with allergies to certain foods especially avocado, potato, banana, tomato, chestnuts, kiwi fruit, and papaya. People with spina bifida are also at increased risk for latex allergy.”
So even when people put odd things like “allergic to avocado” on their consent form – it may be more important than most folks would think.