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Latex allergy in atopic children
Author(s) -
Holme S A,
Lever R S
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.02826.x
Subject(s) - latex allergy , medicine , immunoglobulin e , allergy , incidence (geometry) , sensitization , immunology , risk factor , immunopathology , dermatology , antibody , physics , optics
The incidence of positive circulating specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to latex and evidence of clinical latex sensitivity appears to be increasing since its first description in 1979. Although heightened medical awareness may be a factor, exposure to latex products, particularly rubber gloves, has increased since the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Atopic individuals are at greater risk of developing latex sensitivity. We identified seven children with atopic eczema who were known to have clinically significant latex allergy and examined the relationship of prior exposure to latex gloves. All children had significant serum levels of specific IgE to latex. Before developing clinical symptoms of latex allergy, all had been exposed to latex in the form of gloves during either inpatient or outpatient treatments of their skin. Exposure of atopic individuals to latex gloves could be a major risk factor for sensitization and could increase the incidence of serious reactions.