title: The problems of rubber hypersensitivity (Types I and IV) in chronic leg ulcer and stasis eczema patients.
abstract: The prevalence of Type I and Type IV hypersensitivity to rubber allergens in patients with stasis eczema and/or venous leg ulcers over an 18-month period was studied by prick and patch testing. Results from 109 patients were analysed. Positive patch tests were found in 71 patients (65%). Delayed-type hypersensitivity to rubber chemicals was found in 17 patients (15.6%). However, only 1 patient who had additional risk factors showed Type I hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex. We therefore conclude that, although Type IV hypersensitivity to rubber chemicals is relatively common in our patients, Type I hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex remains rare.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, The Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gooptu
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Powell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004485:Eczema / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000150:complications*; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000150:complications*; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests