Latex allergy in health‐care workers in an English district general hospital
- 1 February 1998
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in British Journal of Dermatology
- Vol. 138 (2), 273-276
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02073.x
Abstract
Immediate hypersensitivity to latex protein is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem. This study found that eight of 867 (0.9%) medical and nursing staff in a district general hospital were allergic to latex with resultant hand eczema and/or urticaria. Wheezing occurred when latex became airborne, adsorbed to starch powder. Sensitized individuals are at risk of anaphylaxis when they themselves become patients. Measures to prevent latex sensitization include pre-employment advice regarding hand care and glove use, particularly for atopics, who are at increased risk. Gloves made from synthetic latex must be available for a sensitized individual, both to use at work and when undergoing medical examinations, surgery and dentistry. Increased awareness of the problem by health-care workers is important in order to recognize those at risk.Keywords
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