Unfortunately, the lack of content labeling of medical devices makes determining which are safe a daunting task. For this reason, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology have recently issued a joint statement calling for an end to the use of powdered latex gloves. Although cost considerations are frequently cited as an objection to converting to low-allergen gloves, a recent report from the Mayo Clinic 9 documented substantial savings after such a conversion. For those who are already allergic to natural latex rubber, treatment with antihistamines should not be considered a safe alternative to avoidance and, in fact, use of antihistamines may delay detection of acute reactions. Family physicians are well advised to adopt office policies offering this same measure of safety both for patients and for health care workers.
Latex allergy can induce clinical reactions to specific foods.
Reddy S. Latex allergy. Vandenplas O. Occupational asthma caused by natural rubber latex. Latex Hypersensitivity Committee. Quantification of occupational latex aeroallergens in a medical center. Control of airborne latex by use of powder-free, latex gloves.