Allergy to latex gloves in clinical practice: case reports.

With increasing incidence of glove wearing by dental health care workers, there are also increased reports of associated dermatological problems. Among these are Type IV allergic reactions, such as contact urticaria, and Type I severe reactions. Patients may also be affected. Three cases of adverse patient reactions to latex or chemicals involved in latex manufacture are reported. Principal areas affected were circumoral and facial skin and the upper lip. A potential adverse reaction was avoided for a third patient following history taking, which identified an adverse reaction to a rubber swimming cap.