Latex allergy in children.

Natural latex, a product of the tropical rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, has been shown to cause allergic reactions in an increasing number of individuals. Severity of reaction has ranged from mild contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis. Individuals with spina bifida, congenital urogenital anomalies, health care workers, and those employed in the rubber industry are at highest risk for immediate hypersensitivity to latex. Health care workers should be aware of this high risk to minimize exposure of patients.