The burgeoning problem of latex sensitivity. Surgical gloves are only the beginning.

Awareness of latex sensitization is increasing in both the medical and the general community. Nonimmunologic irritant contact dermatitis, often found on the hands of healthcare workers who wear latex gloves, is the most common feature of sensitivity. The exact latex antigen(s) to blame have not been clearly delineated, but risk factors have been established that can be used to identify persons susceptible to a hypersensitivity reaction. The severity of a reaction depends on the route of exposure; mucosal and visceral exposure poses the greatest risk of reaction. Thus, patients requiring multiple operations and procedures, such as those with spina bifida or congenital urinary tract anomalies, are at high risk. Persons in high-risk groups should be referred for appropriate evaluation and testing, advised to avoid exposure to latex-derived products, and told to carry self-injectable epinephrine.