Latex allergy: implications for oral health care professionals

The purpose of this article is to educate the dental hygienist about the seriousness of latex allergy and provide background information necessary for treating the latex allergic patient, including basic information on immunology, hypersensitivity reactions, latex, and natural rubber latex. Symptoms of latex allergy, types of reactions, and methods of exposure are discussed. Methods for achieving a minimal latex environment are presented, along with information to treat the patient with latex allergy, which can affect health, career, future, and lifestyle. Because the number of latex-allergic individuals increases daily, a thorough understanding of its diagnosis and implications is necessary for all oral health care workers.