Term
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Definition
| Manufactured from a milky fluid dervied from a rubber tree. Several chemicals are added during the processing and manufacture of commercial latex |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| How many proteins and allergens are in latex that causes the allergice reactions? what else may also cause skin rashes? |
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Definition
256 proteins including 11 allergens
chemicals added may also cause skin rashes |
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Term
| How many products contain latex? |
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Definition
| >40,000 dental, medical, and consumer products |
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Term
| What are the 3 types of reactions that can occur in person using latex products |
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Definition
- irritant contact dermatitis
- allergic contact dermatitis; Type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity
- latex allergy; Type I (immediate) hypersensitivity
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Term
| What is the most common reaction (>20% health care professionals) |
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Definition
| Irritant contact dermatitis |
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Term
| This reaction can result from frequent hand washing, soap residue, incomplete hand drying, and exposure to powders added. NOT a true allergy! |
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Definition
| Irritant contact dermatitis |
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Term
| The Type IV allergic reaction is also known as |
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Definition
Allergic contact dermatitis
Delayed-type hypersensitivity |
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Term
| How is Allergic contact dermatitis caused |
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Definition
| Usually from chemicals added to latex during harvesting, processing, or manufacturing |
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Term
| When does the rash begin for Type IV allergic reaction? |
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Definition
| 24-48 hours after contact |
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Term
| Describe the skin reactions in delayed-type hypersensitivity |
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Definition
Erythema (redness), pruritis (itch), vesicles (small blister). May progress to oozing skin blisters (bullae)
May spread away from the area of skin touched by the latex |
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Term
| What is Latex allergy also known as? |
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Definition
Immediate hypersensitivity
Type I allergic reaction |
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Term
| What causes latex allergy? |
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Definition
| Certain proteins in lates may cause sensitization (positive blood or skin test, with or without symptoms) |
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Term
| What is amount of exposure needed to cause sensitization or symptoms for latex allergy |
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Definition
| Not known and even small exposures can trigger |
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Term
| What mediates latex allergy and what response does it ellicite? |
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Definition
| IgE (immunoglobin) mediated and elicites a histamine response (benadryl=antihistamine) |
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Term
| What is the prevalence of latex allergy among general population, health care workers, and dental professionals? |
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Definition
General population: 0.12-6%
Health care workers: 4-10%
Dental professionals: 6.2% |
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Term
| Describe the symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity |
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Definition
Like a bee sting- skin erythema, urticaria (hives), pruritis (itch), edema (swelling)
Rhinoconjunctivitis (inflammation of nose and eyes), palpitations, dizziness, bronchospasms (breathing problems), gastrointestinal cramping, vomiting, hypotension, and even DEATH! |
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Term
| What is an acute multi-system SEVERE type I hypersensitivity reaction |
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Definition
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Term
| Who is at greatest risk for developing latex allergy? |
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Definition
- People who have multiple allergic conditions (Atopic individuals)
- People with allergies to certain foods especially avocado, potato, banana, tomato, chestnuts, kiwi, papaya
- People with exposure to latex (ex: spina bifida, health care workers, hair dress, food service industry, etc.)
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Term
| When exposures to latex are reduced, sensitization and or allergic reaction is ______. And symptoms tend to _______. |
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Definition
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Term
| Wearing latex gloves when you have __________ may increase skin exposure and the risk of developing latex allergy |
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Definition
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Term
| How do you treat patients with Latex Allergies? |
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Definition
- Good medical history
- use non-latex gloves (Nitrile)
- plan your treatment minimizing latex exposure
- schedule as 1st patient of the day (even 1st patient of the week)
- Use operatory in close proximity to the entrance
- suggest allergy testing
- prophylatic use of antihistamines?
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