Latex Allergy

The latex allergy has been increasingly recognised in recent years in both adultsand children. After anaphylactic type reactions due to latex has been shown as case reports, latex allergy became an important problem especially in medical practice. The majör risk factors in latex allergy are intense exposure to latex allergens (surgical gloves, catheters, etc.), atopy hand eczema, female gender, history of multiple operations and dental interventions. Some occupational groups such as health-care workers and workers in latex industry are under greater risk due to their possible frequent contact with latex. An association between latex allergy and allergy to various fruits (banana, avocado, pineapple, kiwi, etc) has been reported. Latex allergy is responsible for a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from a mild dermatitis to severe anaphylaxis in both adults and children. There fore an allergologic investigation for latex allergy should be considered for those from high-risk groups. Then, it will be possible to take precautions in order to prevent life-threatining allergic reactions by exposure to latex