Latex
Allergy
Latex allergy—hypersensitivity
to latex proteins found in latex gloves frequently used by dental office
employees—can be a more serious systemic allergic reaction than contact
dermatitis. Latex allergy, which is caused by the natural rubber latex (NRL)
protein found in latex gloves, usually begins within minutes of exposure to
latex, but can sometimes occur hours later. It produces varied symptoms, which
commonly include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, hives, and
itchy burning sensations. However, it can involve more severe symptoms,
including asthma, marked by difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing;
cardiovascular and gastrointestinal ailments; and in rare cases, anaphylaxis (shock)
and death.
The
following table lists the categories of
glove-associated skin reactions: