Surgical gloves and latex gloves are both types of disposable gloves used in various medical and non-medical applications. However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Material:
- Surgical gloves: Surgical gloves are usually made from natural latex rubber, nitrile, or other synthetic materials. Latex surgical gloves were commonly used in the past, but due to the prevalence of latex allergies, many healthcare facilities have transitioned to non-latex alternatives like nitrile gloves.
- Latex gloves: Latex gloves are made exclusively from natural latex rubber. They are commonly used in non-medical settings for general protection, such as in cleaning tasks, food handling, and light industrial applications.

2. Allergies:
- Surgical gloves: Latex surgical gloves can potentially cause allergic reactions in some individuals who are sensitive or allergic to latex proteins. These allergies can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or even more severe reactions.
- Latex gloves: Latex gloves carry a higher risk of causing latex allergies due to the direct contact with the natural latex rubber. For individuals with known latex allergies, it is essential to use non-latex alternatives like nitrile gloves.

3. Use Cases:
- Surgical gloves: As the name suggests, surgical gloves are primarily used in medical and surgical settings. They are designed to provide a high level of barrier protection and are sterile to prevent the spread of infections during surgical procedures.
- Latex gloves: Latex gloves find application in various non-medical scenarios, such as food handling, household cleaning, janitorial work, and some industrial tasks. They are not sterile and generally offer less barrier protection compared to surgical gloves.

4. Strength and Durability:
- Surgical gloves: Surgical gloves are usually made to be thinner and more delicate, providing the dexterity needed for precise medical procedures while maintaining adequate protection.
- Latex gloves: Latex gloves tend to be thicker and may offer more durability, making them suitable for general-purpose tasks that require more robust protection against chemicals and punctures.

It is crucial to consider the specific requirements of the task when choosing between surgical gloves and latex gloves. For medical procedures and situations where barrier protection is critical, surgical gloves are the appropriate choice. For general non-medical applications, especially when dealing with individuals at risk of latex allergies, non-latex gloves like nitrile gloves are a safer option.