Latex delayed hypersensitivity

CP Hamann, SA Kick. Update immediate and delayed hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex. CUTIS 52(5) 307-311, 1993. 

Contact urticaria usually clears spontaneously repeated exposure may produce dermatitis (eczema). In addition, it may be associated with allergic contact dermatitis (type-IV hypersensitivity), von Krogh and Maibach [4] tested 67 patients for immediate and delayed hypersensitivity, and 22 (33%) developed a positive delayed response subsequent to the initial wheal-and-flare reaction. The responsible agents were food products, rubber latex, cinnamic aldehyde, para-aminodiphenylamine, ethylaminobenzoate, ammonium persulfate, teak, epoxy resin and lemon perfume. They suggested that the term contact dermatitis of immediate and delayed type be used for patients exhibiting both types of reactions in the test situation, whether the initial reaction is uncharacteristic, urticarial or vesicular [4]. 

Immunologic Exposure to latex is associated with three clinical syndromes irritant dermatitis, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, and the most serious, but least common, immediate or type 1 hypersensitivity. Exposure to latex can occur through the skin, mucous membranes, or airways. Gloves used for examination, surgical or household, are often the cause of allergic reactions. 

Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to natural latex were once considered rare. Sidi and Hincky (1954) suggested that latex may be a delayed-type allergen based on their study of patients with allergic reactions to latex gloves, but without evident allergy to the accelerators or anti-oxidants likely to be present in the... 

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