Latex allergy--implications for Irish patients and healthcare workers.
A 34-year-old lady presented with an exacerbation of her atopic dermatitis. She also gave a history of angioedema during labour. Type I latex hypersensitivity was confirmed by serological and epicutaneous testing. Virtually unrecognised until the 1980s, latex hypersensitivity is now being reported more and more frequently, particularly in spina bifida patients, atopics and healthcare personnel. The importance of this problem for patients and healthcare personnel is discussed.
Ryan
K
K
Dept of Dermatology, South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork.
Bourke
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010328:Patch Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index