Contact latex proteins

A detailed review is presented of the literature on cutaneous reactions to rubber, the aspects covered including latex allergy, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The adverse cutaneous reactions to rubber occurring following industrial and occupational or consumer exposure to rubber chemicals or products or to natural rubber latex proteins are discussed. 261 refs. 

Hamann CP Natural rubber latex protein sensitivity in review. Am J Contact Derm 4 4, 1993... 

A03043 Assessment and quantification of latex protein (LP) transfer from LP-containing contact materials into food and drink products. A03046 Chemical migration from silicones used in connection with food contact materials and articles. 

This group refers to all skin symptoms directly related to airborne contact of the skin with the accountable agents. In fact, all varieties of contact dermatoses due to direct contactants can also be provoked by airborne contactants. Furthermore, in many cases, direct contact and airborne contact can occur simultaneously contact urticaria to latex proteins (Lagier et al. 1990) or allergic contact dermatitis to epoxy resins (Sommer et al. 1998 Le Coz et al. 1999) represent two good examples of such situations. 

Fig. 6. Airborne immune contact urticaria of the face caused by the dispersion of corn-starch particles with a high latex-protein content in a female operating-dieatre nurse presensitised by latex gloves...

Gloves of polymer materials are necessary for use in the treatment of patients and by those employees with known allergy to latex proteins. Such gloves reduce the risk of contact dermatitis caused by rubber additives and contact urticaria caused by latex proteins. Gloves of polymer materials are also necessary for use by those employees with a known allergy to chromate in leather gloves. 

Hamann CP (1993) Natural rubber latex protein sensitivity in review. Am J Contact Dermat 4 4-21 Hansson C, Agrup G (1993) Stability of 2-mercaptopbenzothiaz-ole (MBT). Contact Dermatitis 28 29-34 Heese A, von Hintzenstern J, Peters K-P, Koch HU, Hornstein OP (1991) Allergic and irritant reactions to rubber gloves in medical health services. J Am Acad Dermatol 25 831-839 Heese A, Peters K-P, Hornstein OP (1992) Anaphylactic reaction to unexpected latex in polychloroprene gloves. Contact Dermatitis 27 336-337... 

Goette DK (1984) Raccoon-like periorbital leukoderma from contact with swim goggles. Contact Dermatitis 10 129-131 Hamann CP (1993) Natural rubber latex protein sensitivity in review. Am J Contact Dermat 4 4-21 Hansen KS (1983) Occupational dermatoses in hospital cleaning women. Contact Dermatitis 9 343-351 Hansson C (1994) Allergic contact dermatitis from N-(i,3-dimethylbutyl)-N -phenyl-p-phenlenediamine and from compounds in polymerized 2,2,4-trimethyl-i,2-dihydroquinoline. Contact Dermatitis 30 114-115... 

Immunological direct contact reaction may be caused by type-I allergies to latex protein, hydrolysed animal proteins (ingredients of the styling products) and persulphates in blonding products. Type-I allergies to latex and persulphates may cause reactions not only on the skin, but also on the conjunctivae and the respiratory tract. 

A 22-year-old man developed recurrent erythematous-edematous dermatitis of the shaft of the penis a few hours after sexual intercourse using condoms. Tests tor latex protein hypersensitivity were negative. A patch test established the diagnosis of contact allergy to benzocaine. 

Uses Defoamer for casein and protein-based coatings and adhesives, screen process inks, nonwoven saturating latex, and effluent applies. defoamer in food-contact coatings and paper/paperboard food pkg. sdh6siv6s... 

Chem. Desaip. Silicone-based, protein-supported emulsion Uses Dewebber, defoamer, antifoam for natural and syn. latexes in latex dipping industry (mfg. of toys, medical, household, and industrial gloves, anesthesia bags) defoamer for pulp/paper mfg., influent and effluent wastewater treatment, boiler water treatmenL paints, adhesives, and sealants food-contact rubber articles Regiiatory. FDA 21CFR 177.2600... 

Chem. Descrip. Silicone-free, protein-free emulsion Uses Dewebber, antifoam for natural latex and syn. blends, latex dipping industry (mfg. of medical and surgical gloves, balloons) antifoam for pulp/paper mfg., wastewater treatment, boiler water treatment, inks food-contact coatings, rubber articles Regulatory FDA 21 CFR 175.300,177.2600 Properties Off-wh. emulsion completely disp. in water sp.gr. 1.00 0.1 ... 

Prick testing. Prick tests are needed when airborne contact urticaria or protein contact dermatitis (i.e. to latex or pollen proteins) is suspected. 

Kanerva L (1998) Occupational fingertip protein contact dermatitis caused by grain flours and natural rubber latex. Contact Dermatitis 38 295-296... 

Despite the increasingly more frequent reports of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to natural latex, the exact chemical nature of the allergen(s) remains unknown. In contrast, proteins present in latex obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree are the cause of the immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated hypersensiti-vity/allergic contact urticaria (ACU) to natural latex rubber. Since Hevea brasiliensis accounts for more than 99% of natural rubber used worldwide, ACU to latex is a significant problem. 

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