country jenny replied: "Unfortunately the body can suddenly become alergic to things that it has tolerated in the past. Do not let the Dr fob you off ask for a second opinion and for a referal to your local allergy clinic, Drs do not like spending money on these things so don't let them put you off. I suddenly became allergic 8 years ago it seemed to everything food, tight clothes, I would swell up with huge welts that could grow so big I could not get my clothes on, the itching and burning was unbearable and still is sometimes, I found good old Germoline is wonderful for instant relief, I ended up on steriods and strong antihistamine tabs, unfortunately the normal dose of antihistamine was not enough and I had to take double the amount but that was the only way to get relief. You say latex free gloves are expensive but you may be able to get them on prescription. Have you tried wearing thin cotton cloves under the latex this way they would not be touching the skin. You must stress that this is not only painfull but it is affecting you livelyhood as well. You must get allergy tested at your allergy clinic as sometimes they can help you avoid other triggers. People poo poo this when it happens to you but when it happens to them they understand how you are suffering, you have my sympathy. if they put you on steriods please be aware of the fact that the body becomes dependant on them and that when taken for long periods you have to slowly wean yourself back off, saying this they did help me tremendously. If you have a camera it helps if you get photographic evidence my Dr kept fobbing me off as everytime I managed to get in to see him the condition had eased, but when I took pictures to him at its worst that was when he took me seriously. I can only wish you good luck and hope this problem gets the full attention it deserves. If you need to sound off to someone and need a friendly ear just drop me a line on my e-mail."