Intended for healthcare professionals

Latex allergy and glove usage

‘Rubber allergy’ in the form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been well recognised for decades. During the past 20 years an acute immediate reaction to rubber items has been demonstrated in some subjects. This can be very dramatic and is potentially fatal. The first type of ACD reaction is due to additives (accelerators, antioxidants and vulcanising agents in rubber). The second type is due to the natural rubber latex protein in the rubber.
Dermatology in practice 2001; 9(4): 22–24
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