Type IV Dermatitis , a chemical contact dermatitis, caused by the chemicals used in latex production but involving the immune system. Type I Systemic Reactions , which are true allergic reactions caused by protein antibodies in the latex. It is Type I that causes the serious and potentially lethal reactions. While not life threatening, patients with Type IV reactions are much more likely to develop serious Type I symptoms, because of the latex proteins entering the body through the irritated skin. It is these chemicals that cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction.
Symptoms range from rhinitis to death.
There are over 3 million latex sensitive people in these groups. The evidence in the medical literature indicates that the earlier you are exposed to latex, and the total exposure is important risk factors. Incidences of latex allergy are at epidemic proportion in a tipical individuals over non-tipical individuals. In the pediatric population as many as 250,000 children might have some degree of latex sensitivity and at least 100,000 are at serious risk when they have an operation in the presence of latex products. There is not at present a specific cure for latex allergy.