Surgical glove related contact dermatitis

With increased emphasis on infection control in the dental office has come an increase in complaints of adverse reactions to surgical gloves. A review of the literature reveals latex allergy problems not to be confined to gloves, but to involve articles of clothing, rubber dam material, and other latex-containing products. Life-threatening cases have been reported. The dental profession may be faced with compromising reactive possibilities in patients who have been previously sensitized. There is a need for development of alternative protective products for the dental office.