Latex allergy in healthcare workers: A review

Abstract

Allergy to latex is one of the reported concerns among healthcare workers. It has been found in various studies that latex sensitivity is 3–5 times higher in doctors and nurses as compared to non-healthcare workers. The main source of latex allergy is exposure to powdered gloves. Chronic exposure to latex can lead to various symptoms such as pruritus, dermatitis, erythema and urticaria, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. There is sparse Indian data due to a lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities; therefore, studies are required to evaluate latex-related symptoms and sensitisation with the use of powdered gloves as compared to the use of non-powdered gloves and to institute appropriate preventive strategies.