Latex allergy--a clinical perspective

Latex allergy has been increasingly recognized in the past 6 years. Defined risk groups are health-care workers, spina bifida children, and possibly food allergy patients. Powdered latex gloves and latex barium enema tips are products most commonly associated with allergy. Clinically, patients present with contact urticaria, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis. At least 15 deaths are reported to have occurred because of latex allergic reactions. Severe occupational latex allergy can result in removal of the affected individual from the workplace. This will have important cost implications. The only presently available treatment of latex allergy is avoidance.