Swiss medical weekly
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Swiss medical weekly · Jan 1993
Review Case Reports[Latex allergy--an increasing problem in clinical practice].
In the last few years the allergenic potential of rubber has been receiving more and more attention. Its widespread application in medical devices and everyday objects has increased exposure to this allergen. The central role of rubber in the prevention of HIV infection has certainly played a part in this development. ⋯ Immediate type hypersensitivity can be proven by skin prick test and RAST (radio allergosorbent test). Contact dermatitis in patients using rubber gloves is generally due to delayed type hypersensitivity to rubber additives. However, a recently observed case suggests the possibility of isolated delayed type hypersensitivity to natural latex.