[Delayed allergy against rubber gloves. An occupational dermatitis among health personnel]

Allergic reactions to rubber gloves, an increasing problem in medical health services, have become an prominent topic in occupational dermatology. A broad spectrum of immunological mechanisms are involved, from antibody-induced immediate reactions to delayed cell-mediated reactions. We review the causes of the reactions and discuss diagnostic procedures. The main allergens are rubber additives, such as accelerators and antioxidants. In this connection it is important to develop and produce gloves using other basic materials and ingredients, and thereby avoid the most frequent allergens.