Allergy to natural rubber latex: a growing problem.

Immediate, IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex has recently been found to be responsible for contact and generalized urticaria, protein contact dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma and even fatal anaphylactic reactions. The proteins present in latex from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) can still persist in rubber end-products where they are capable of sensitizing exposed users. Atopic people and those with hand eczema are prone to become sensitized by natural rubber latex, which often causes occupational problems in connection with the use of protective gloves. But people blowing up balloons and those using condoms are also at risk if their symptoms are misinterpreted. Severe adverse reactions caused by rubber products in medicare cannot be prevented if the diagnosis has not been made before operations and medical examinations. So the most important task today is to develop reliable and safe methods for diagnosing natural rubber latex allergy and to manufacture rubber products with fewer allergens.