Can You Be Allergic to Nitrile Gloves? Causes, Symptoms & Alternatives
Published by Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies on Feb 10, 2025
Updated November 2026
Yes. Nitrile contains no natural latex proteins, so it's safe for most people with a latex allergy. But many nitrile gloves are made with chemical accelerators such as thiurams, carbamates and mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT). These can cause allergic contact dermatitis: an itchy, red rash where the glove touches the skin. If you react to nitrile, an accelerator-free glove is the usual first thing to try.
Allergy or Irritation? How to Tell
| Accelerator allergy | Irritant dermatitis | Latex allergy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Chemical accelerators used to make the glove | Sweat, friction, frequent hand washing, long wear | Natural rubber latex proteins |
| Gloves that trigger it | Many nitrile, latex and neoprene gloves | Any glove worn for long periods | Latex gloves only |
| Typical signs | Itchy red rash, blisters or cracking where the glove touched | Dry, chapped, sore skin | Hives and itching; in severe cases, breathing problems |
| What to try | Accelerator-free gloves | Change gloves often, dry hands fully, use liners | Nitrile or another non-latex glove |
What Causes a Reaction to Nitrile Gloves?
Accelerators speed up the curing process that turns liquid nitrile into a strong, stretchy glove. DermNet lists four main groups that cause rubber allergy: thiurams, carba compounds (dithiocarbamates), benzothiazoles such as MBT, and hexamethylenetetramine (DermNet). Long, repeated exposure, such as wearing gloves all shift, makes a reaction more likely.
Symptoms of a Nitrile Glove Allergy
- Red, itchy rash on the backs of the hands, the wrists or wherever the cuff sits
- Small blisters, flaking or cracked skin
- A rash that clears on days off and comes back at work
A dermatologist can confirm the cause with a patch test, which checks for specific accelerators.
Gloves to Try If You React to Nitrile
Accelerator-Free Nitrile Gloves
- Rival blue nitrile exam gloves, 4 mil
- Showa 7700PFT black nitrile gloves
- For cleanrooms: RiVAL CR white nitrile cleanroom gloves
Other Options
- A different material: BioSkin chloroprene exam gloves feel similar to latex. Check the ingredients if your reaction is to accelerators.
- Vinyl: contains no rubber. DermNet notes it can work, though some people react to both rubber and vinyl.
- Sweaty hands: see our best gloves for hyperhidrosis.
Tips to Cut Irritation
- Change gloves when they get sweaty, rather than wearing one pair for hours.
- Dry your hands fully before putting gloves on.
- Moisturize after your shift, not right before gloving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nitrile gloves latex-free?
Yes. Nitrile is synthetic and contains no natural latex proteins.
Can you suddenly become allergic to nitrile gloves?
Yes. Contact allergy can develop after months or years of exposure.
Are black or colored nitrile gloves more likely to cause a reaction?
Color isn't the usual cause. Accelerators are.
Source: DermNet, Allergy to rubber accelerators. Related: Nitrile vs Latex Gloves and Best Disposable Gloves for Sensitive Skin.