Latex Allergy Associated with Allergic Contact Hand Eczema

Latex allergy in the form of anaphylaxis and contact urticaria has been reported with increasing frequency in recent years, probably because of increased exposure to natural rubber latex. Most reports have emphasized the systemic manifestations of the allergy. These dermatologists describe the association of latex allergy with hand eczema and allergic contact dermatitis.

In a review of patients seen at their clinic over a 14-year period, the authors identified 44 patients who were diagnosed with latex allergy based on prick, scratch, radioallergosorbent, or wear tests. Two thirds of the patients had local reactions of urticaria or pruritus, and one third had systemic reactions of anaphylaxis, angioedema, asthma, or generalized urticaria in c…