Reactions to latex products may be localized or systemic and range from dermatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urticaria, and angioedema to asthma and anaphylaxis. Severe latex sensitivity and its sequelae have profound and lethal implications. Health care workers have been forced to leave clinical practice and both health care workers and clients are in jeopardy of losing both livelihood and life. The increased use of latex gloves as part of universal secretion precautions has been accompanied by an increase in reports of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. The rise in latex sensitivity has been shown to be due to latex processing practices affecting protein allergan levels, added chemical preservatives, antioxidants and accelerators, and to the powder or cornstarch added to gloves as a lubricant after their manufacture.
Powder is a major contributor to latex sensitization and reaction.
Levels of extractable protein and allergen in a given glove are correlated with the presence of powder. Many health care personnel or clinicians attribute the powder or cornstarch itself as the cause of their reactions, but documented reactions to only cornstarch are rare. Several high-risk groups have been identified but many latex sensitive patients do not fit any category. Women are at especially high risk of reaction to selected methods of contraception because of mucous membrane contact with these devices. It is estimated that few health care personnel seek medical evaluation or treatment for latex-allergic conditions, even if they have symptoms.