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Infection Control-related Administrative Policies and Work Restrictions
Clinical Manifestations of Adverse Reactions to Latex Products

Course Author(s): Michaell A. Huber, DDS; Géza T. Terézhalmy, DDS, MA

Clinical Manifestations of Adverse Reactions to Latex Products

Adverse reactions following exposure to latex products may be categorized as (1) irritant contact dermatitis (not associated with allergy), (2) cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reactions (allergic contact dermatitis), and (3) IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, angioedema, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and generalized anaphylactic shock).5,7,9,11,17

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

The most common adverse reaction to latex products, specifically to latex gloves, is irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). It is characterized by dry, cracked, itchy, irritated areas of the skin (usually of the hands). The time of onset is gradual (over several days) as a result abrasion and maceration from donning and removing gloves, repeated hand washing and drying, incomplete hand drying, the use of cleaners and sanitizers, and exposure to other workplace products and chemicals.5,7,9,18

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is caused primarily by the accelerators, promoters, and antioxidants that are added to natural rubber latex during harvesting, processing, or manufacturing.5,7-10,12,18 It is characterized by a papular, pruritic (itchy) rash (Figure 1); which usually begins 24 to 48 hours after contact with offending products and may progress to oozing vesicles and blisters and spread to areas of skin untouched by latex.12,19,20 ACD may be the first sign that more serious reactions could occur with continued exposure.

Figure 1. Allergic contact dermatitis characterized by rash, redness, and itching, which began about 24 hours after dental treatment under a rubber dam.
Image: Allergic contact dermatitis characterized by rash, redness, and itching, which began about 24 hours after dental treatment under a rubber dam.
Image: Allergic contact dermatitis characterized by rash, redness, and itching, which began about 24 hours after dental treatment under a rubber dam.

IgE-mediated Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions

The risk of progression from ACD to more serious allergic reactions is unknown. At least some of the patients, who initially develop ACD with repeated exposure to latex may experience acute urticaria considered to be a transitional stage between ACD and IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions (Figure 2). Symptoms usually occur within 60 minutes of exposure to a latex product and are characterized by itching, redness, and a wheal and flare reaction at the site of contact.21

Figure 2. Acute urticaria characterized by pruritic, red wheals that range from 1.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter, which began about an hour after exposure to latex gloves.
Image: Acute urticaria characterized by pruritic, red wheals that range from 1.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter, which began about an hour after exposure to latex gloves.
Image: Acute urticaria characterized by pruritic, red wheals that range from 1.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter, which began about an hour after exposure to latex gloves.
Angioedema is a feature of urticaria. It is characterized by localized, well-circumscribed, non-pitting swelling (edema) commonly affecting the lips (Figure 3), face, limbs, and trunk. When edema affects the larynx, it can lead to severe, life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Angioedema of the abdominal viscera is associated with severe pain. Other gastrointestinal symptoms of immediate type I hypersensitivity reactions may include vomiting and diarrhea.
Figure 3. Angioedema characterized by localized, well-circumscribed, non-pitted swelling affecting the lips.
Image: Angioedema characterized by localized, well-circumscribed, non-pitted swelling affecting the lips.
Image: Angioedema characterized by localized, well-circumscribed, non-pitted swelling affecting the lips.

Deposits of latex proteins on mucosal surfaces of the eyes and upper respiratory tract can lead to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Clinical signs and symptoms include watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and an itching sensation of the oropharyngeal mucosa. If sufficient aeroallergens penetrate below the level of the glottis, the allergic response progresses to acute bronchospasm.22 It is estimated that 2.5% of healthcare workers are susceptible to latex aeroallergen-induced acute asthma.23

When latex proteins interact with IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophiles, a massive release of histamine and other substances result in generalized anaphylactic shock. Early signs and symptoms include weakness, dizziness, flushing and urticaria. It progresses rapidly and sequentially to laryngeal edema (resulting in stridor) and bronchospasm (resulting in wheezing); followed by hypotension, tachycardia, and vascular collapse as a result of decreased systemic vascular resistance (Figure 4).17,24

Figure 4. Anaphylactic reactions to latex allergens in the oral healthcare setting characterized by angioedema of the lips and oropharynx associated with stridor, wheezing, hypotension, and tachycardia.
Image: Anaphylactic reactions to latex allergens in the oral healthcare setting characterized by angioedema of the lips and oropharynx associated with stridor, wheezing, hypotension, and tachycardia.
Image: Anaphylactic reactions to latex allergens in the oral healthcare setting characterized by angioedema of the lips and oropharynx associated with stridor, wheezing, hypotension, and tachycardia.
While anaphylaxis is seldom the first sign of latex allergy, latex exposure is estimated to account for 12 to 40% of anaphylactic reactions that occur during adult surgery.13,25,26 In oral healthcare settings, anaphylactic reactions to latex products have been reported to occur with exposure to gloves, dental rubber dams, and to latex-related aeroallergens.7 Rapid detection of signs and symptoms with immediate intervention is necessary to prevent serious complications and death.9,17,27
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