Infection control is critical in any health profession and one of the things a dentist should always do is wear gloves to protect patients from infection and disease.  Unfortunately, the latex gloves we use could be a concern to a patient if they are allergic to the substance.  Latex allergy is recognized as an increasingly serious medical problem that affects more than 25 percent of health care workers and up to 16 million (2%) of the general population.  The increase in the incidence of allergic reactions may be attributed to health care workers' increased use of latex gloves as a universal precaution to combat the spread of bloodborne diseases such as AIDS, HIV and hepatitis B.  Latex allergies are more common in people who routinely come in contact with the products, so the incidence is higher in health care professionals.

Everyday millions of people come into contact with latex, a natural rubber harvested from trees found in more than 40,000 consumer products, including baby bottle nipples, teething rings and pacifiers, balloons, some bandages clothing, garden hoses and rubber bands to name a few.  Allergic reactions come from proteins found in latex or to chemicals added during production.

What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?

An individual with latex allergy can experience a range of symptoms, including hay-fever type reactions such as itchy, swollen eyes, runny nose and sneezing.  Hives, dermatitis (skin rash) and asthma are the most common reactions.  Although rare, the most severe allergic reaction is the potentially fatal anaphylactic shock, which is characterized by a generalized flushing of the skin, nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body, a sense of impending doom, swelling of throat and mouth, difficulty in swallowing or speaking, alterations in heart rate, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, sudden feeling of weakness (drop in blood pressure) and unconsciousness.

Is contact with gloves the only problem?
Prolonged exposure to airborne latex dust from powdered gloves can trigger an asthmatic reaction.  The starch powder in the lining of many gloves worn by health care workers "picks up" the latex proteins, which are carried airborne when the wearer removes the gloves.  If an individual with latex allergy inhales the powder or their skin comes into contact with objects or surfaces the powder is on, an allergic reaction could occur.

What should I do if I am allergic to latex?
Be sure to inform your dentist about your latex allergy as part of your complete medical history.  This includes any drug allergies.  If you have been diagnosed with latex allergy, inform your dentist before treatment.  Most offices have latex-safe products available for use during a dental procedure or surgery.  If you suspect you have a latex allergy, contact your physician and request a blood or skin test for verification. Even if you do have a latex allergy, good oral health is still available through routine oral hygiene appointments and good home care, just be sure to let your dentist know!