[Latex contact urticaria and prick test with latex extract]

Latex contact urticaria is being reported with increasing frequency. Atopic patients with dermatitis of the hands are at risk of developing this potentially life threatening allergy. Since 1994 we have tested 200 patients in our dermatological department using the latex skin prick test. 20 relevant, positive latex tests have been found. Glove tests and latex-RAST were performed where these were indicated. The diagnosis of latex contact urticaria would have been overlooked in nine patients had the latex prick test not been performed. The clinical manifestations and findings in 24 patients with latex contact urticaria are presented. 12 out of 20 adult patients were not in jobs related to health care. All adults were female, but among the children there were three boys.