Latex allergies and adverse reactions: a review of the literature.

In the last few years, the allergenic potential of latex has been receiving greater attention. While latex allergies have been widely reported in the literature, the prevalence and severity have rapidly increased in the last few years. The role of rubber in the prevention of HIV infection has played a part in recognizing the allergenic potential, as with increased emphasis on infection control in the dental office has come an increase in complaints of adverse reactions to surgical gloves. A review of the literature reveals latex allergy problems to be not confined to gloves, but to articles of clothing, rubber dam material, and other latex-containing materials. Life-threatening cases have been reported. Little information in the literature concerns the extent of the problem among dental personnel. The dental professional may be faced with not only discomfort for the dental staff, but also compromising reactive possibilities in certain patients. There is a need for development of alternative protective products for the dental office, since elimination of barrier protection is not a viable alternative to infection control.