Clinical and experimental dermatology
-
Rubber is an important industrial and consumer product encountered in many household items and medical devices. Whereas the chemical additives used in its manufacture are well recognized as a cause of delayed-type hypersensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis), it is only during the past decade that immediate-type allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins (latex allergy) has emerged as a serious health issue. ⋯ Undiagnosed latex allergy is potentially very serious for patients. This article briefly overviews latex allergy with emphasis on the practical issues of diagnosis and management.