Manifestations of latex allergy

Immediate type allergic reactions to latex produce signs and symptoms typical of allergic reactions provoked by other allergens, including pruritus, erythema, and edema. Although the skin is the most commonly affected organ, the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts can all be involved. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of immediate reaction. Chemicals added to latex during processing and perhaps some chemicals added to glove powders may act as haptens and produce delayed contact dermatitis. Typical manifestations of contact dermatitis are erythema, cracking, fissuring, scaling, and vesicles or blisters. The manifestations of immediate and delayed allergic reactions must be differentiated from similar symptoms produced by other agents and mechanisms.