Latex allergy.
Coined the next major health concern of the decade, allergy to natural rubber latex affects people routinely exposed to rubber products. Groups at highest risk include health care workers, rubber industry workers, and persons who have undergone multiple surgical procedures, especially those with spina bifida. Allergy to latex is a type I, immediate, IgE-mediated reaction, which can lead to anaphylaxis and death. Much of latex research is published in allergy journals. Dermatologists may not be aware of the prevalence, symptoms, risks, diagnosis, and treatment of latex allergy. These topics are the subject of this review. Research concerning antigenic proteins, as well as sources of latex alternatives, is also summarized. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:1-24.)


OBJECTIVE
At the completion of this learning activity, participants should have a clear understanding of the history, biology, epidemiology, mechanism, clinical characteristics, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of latex allergy. Readers should also have a greater understanding of multiple potential allergenic latex proteins and their importance in preventing future latex-sensitization.
Dermatology, University of Minnesota and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis 55417, USA.
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Warshaw
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D002617:Chemical Industry; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000601:surgery; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects
D007840:Latex; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D012408:Rubber