Rubber allergy

Geiser JD, Girard A (1965) Remarques sur les cas deczema au ciment observes a la clinique de dermato-venereologie de Lausanne de 1947-1961. Dermatologica 131 93-102 Goh CL, Gan SL (1987) Rubber allergy among construction workers in a prefabrication construction factory. Clin Exp Dermatol 12 332-334... 

Because of automation and other preventive measures, cases of sensitization to rubber among workers manufacturing it are rare and account for no more than 20% of all rubber allergies (Fregert 1975). Individuals most likely to be sensitized are those in other industries that use rubber, since rubberized products can release allergens over time. This release or blooming of chemicals is particularly likely with direct skin contact, since sweat and humidity are liberating factors. 

In a review of 7000 Spanish patients seen over a 10-year period, a total of 2526 (54%) of the 4680 patch-tested patients had one or more positive reactions on the standard series. Among those patients with a positive patch test, 686 (27%) demonstrated at least one positive reaction to a rubber additive (Conde-Salazar et al. 1993). As observed by others (Nurse 1979 Themido and Brandao 1984 Lammintausta and Kalimo 1985 Estlander et al. 1986 Knudsen and Menne 1996), Conde-Salazar et al. (1993) noted that reactions to thiuram mix accounted for the majority of rubber allergies (83%), followed by carba mix (22.3%), black rubber mix (17.8%), mercapto mix (16.0%) and naphthyl mix (2.4%). 

Pompholyx or dyshidrotic-like eczema due to rubber allergies is found in bank employees and other workers with frequent exposure to rubber bands. The dermatitis principally affects the dorsolateral aspects of the digits of the dominant hand. The chief sensitizers are thiurams and thiazoles (Conde-Salazar 1990b). 

The aquatic environment in which divers work is extremely varied, but rubber is a ubiquitous allergen, present in masks, mouthpieces, flippers, watch straps and the insulating suits appropriate for various water temperatures. Contributing factors to rubber allergy are the amount of contact with bare skin and the degree of skin irritation from chafe or other factors. 

Contact dermatitis from the rubber in service protective masks was observed during both world wars (Labernadie 1918 Lewe 1943 Gilbert 1944 Leider et al. 1952). Recently a case of contact urticaria to a compound used in the production of the M17 protective mask was reported. A new protective mask of the M40/42 variant has been proposed for subjects with black rubber allergies (Pope et al. 1995). 

For applications where surgical gloves provide adequate protection, if these are of natural rubber latex tlien powder-free gloves witli low/undetectable protein and allergen levels are advisable. (Alternatively the use of nitrile gloves eliminates the risk of latex allergy.)... 

Garda BE, Barber D, Salcedo G, Rihs HP, Raulf-Heimsoth M Basophil activation test and specific IgE measurements using a panel of recombinant natural rubber latex allergen to determine the latex allergen sensitization profile in children. Pediatr 52 Allergy Immunol 2006 17 148-156. 

Latex. Allergy to natural rubber latex is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis during anesthesia in the general population. In children subjected to numerous operations, particularly those suffering from spina bifida, it is the primary cause of anaphylaxis [11]. The relative frequency of allergy to latex has rapidly increased, rising from 0.5% before 1980 to 20% in France in 2002. A low rate has been reported in countries where a strategy aimed to reduce latex exposure was implemented [6]. 

Allergy to latex, rubber, or spermicide Recurrent UTIs History of TSS... 

Meade, B.J. andWoolhiser, M., Murine models for natural rubber latex allergy assessment, Methods, 27, 63, 2002. 

Ranta, P.M. and Ownby, D.R., A review of natural-rubber latex allergy in health care workers, Clin Infect. Dis., 38, 252, 2004. 

Occupational health and safety in the rubber industry is discussed with reference to UK, US and European legislation. The review covers both natural and synthetic rubber industries. The first section outlines the laws affecting health and safety in the industry and the remainder presents specific health and safety issues of interest to employers and employees. Industrial safety is examined with reference to equipment, fire and explosions, solvents, epidemiology, NR latex allergy, skin irritations and dermatitis, dust and fume control, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, nitrosamines, 1,3-butadiene, and handling of rubber chemicals. 484 refs. 

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. 

Turjanmaa K Update on occupational natural rubber latex allergy. Dermatol Clin 12 561-567, 1994... 

A retrospective study was performed of 3851 patients who presented at a clinic with suspected allergic contact dermatitis over a 5-year period. Workup of each case included standard patch tests for delayed-type sensitivity. Of the 3851 patients, 145 had type IV allergies to one or more rubber constituents. Five of the 145 were positive to MBT. 

Latex allergy The needle cover of the prefilled syringe contains natural rubber (latex), which may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to this substance. 

Oral concentrate contains 12% alcohol dropper contains natural rubber, caution if latex allergy... 

Seppala,U.,Palosuo, T., Kalkkinen, N., Ylitalo, L., Reunala, T., Turjanmaa,K. (2000). IgE reactivity to patatin-like latex allergen, Hev b 7, and to patatin of potato tuber, Sol 11, in adults and children allergic to natural rubber latex. Allergy, 55,266-273. 

Primeau, M. N., Adkinson, N. F. Jr., and Hamilton, R. G. (2001). Natural rubber pharmaceutical vial closures release latex allergens that produce skin reactions. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. Jun, 107. 

Hevea CBP hevein Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) Chitin [rubber latex allergy... 

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