Contact dermatitis due to endotoxin in irradiated latex gloves.

This case report describes contact dermatitis of the dyshidrotic type of the hands of a worker subjected to minor trauma. The source of the irritation was linked to bacterial endotoxin in latex gloves. Irradiated sterilized gloves and software may contain significant endotoxin levels because the irradiation does not affect endotoxin itself. The irradiation of the bacteria actually increases endotoxin levels when the bacterial count is elevated. Sweating under these gloves may enhance entry into the skin with subsequent reaction as endotoxin is water soluble.