| >> How common is latex allergy? |
Nobody knows exactly. This is because there have not been any really good studies to accurately measure the number of people affected by latex allergy. The best estimate at the moment is that it probably affects less than 1% of the general population (1). It also seems to be rare in children (2). Latex allergy is more common in certain groups of people such as those with:
AtopyAtopy is a tendency whereby some become sensitized and produce IgE antibodies in response to ordinary exposure to allergens (3) (see 'What is latex allergy?'). Atopy is common among people with latex allergy, and is an important risk factor. Eczema, asthma and hay fever are common “atopic” diseases. Spina bifida and operations / catheterisationsChildren with spina bifida have the highest incidence of latex allergy. This is because of repeated exposure of the mucous membranes to NRL from operations and catheterizations (LINK). People who have undergone operations for other reasons may also be at increased risk. (4, 5) High workplace exposurePeople who are regularly exposed to NRL in the course of their occupation are at increased risk of developing latex allergy (12) For example, studies in healthcare workers show a sensitisation rate (positive latex allergy tests) of about 10%, although allergic reactions are much less common (see 'What is latex allergy?') (6, 7) Many healthcare workers became allergic to latex in the 1990’s when highprotein, powdered latex gloves were in routine use (see 'History of latex allergy'). Because of this, a change was made to using low-protein, non-powdered gloves, which has significantly reduced the number developing latex allergy (8,9). Hand dermatitisPre-existing hand dermatitis (10) is a risk factor for latex allergy. People with hand dermatitis often wear latex gloves in an attempt to protect their skin from chemicals or other hazardous materials, but because their skin is already damaged from the dermatitis, latex proteins easily penetrate the skin and sensitisation then becomes more likely. For the same reason, people with hand dermatitis are also at increased risk of developing rubber chemical allergy. (see 'What is latex allergy?') Hand dermatitis is more common in atopic individuals, whose skin is easily irritated by soaps, detergents, oils and solvents. Allergy to fruitsPeople who are allergic to fruits may also become allergic to latex (see the 'food page')(11)
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