[Latex glove allergy in dental practice].

Skin reactions due to the use of latex examination gloves occur frequently in dental practice. They consist of immediate type I allergy to natural latex protein, type IV delayed hypersensitivity to rubber additives and irritant dermatitis. Type I allergy to latex protein can cause contact urticaria, angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in the dentist, the dental assistant and also in the patient. Exceptionally, latex allergy can cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Cross reactions to tropical fruit can occur in the latex allergic patient. Type IV allergy causes allergic contact dermatitis. Rubber additives are also present in synthetic rubber. Glove advice for latex allergic patients are presented.