Latex allergy: An emerging clinical and occupational health problem

Allergy to latex products has become a problem of increasing dimensions, affecting both patients and health-care professionals. Certain high-risk groups and sources of latex exposure have been identified. The clinical manifestations vary from contact eczema through a range of allergic syndromes including life-threatening anaphylaxis. An understanding of the clinical and immunological features of latex allergy provides the basis of therapeutic and preventive strategies. Latex allergy is also becoming a major occupational health issue.