title: An immediate (type I) hypersensitivity reaction during placement of a dental rubber dam.
abstract: A dental student developed swelling of the lips and peri-oral urticaria, immediately after placement of a dental rubber dam during a chairside demonstration of clinical dentistry. A provisional diagnosis of a Type I hypersensitivity reaction to natural rubber latex was made and an appointment organised for specialist investigations. The student reported an atopic history and allergy to peanuts. A Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST), to measure Ig-E antibodies to latex, was positive. The dental student was given advice concerning the avoidance of natural rubber latex. Dental staff must be aware of potentially serious reactions to natural rubber latex in the dental surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, Liverpool University and School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Longman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: al-Sharkawi
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D010367:Arachis / Q000009:adverse effects; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test; D016733:Rubber Dams / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013335:Students, Dental; D014581:Urticaria / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E