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Latex allergy: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Latex sensitivity is an exaggerated immune response to water-soluble proteins contained in latex items (such as rubber gloves, dental dam rubber, condoms, intubation tubes, catheters, enema tips with an inflatable latex cuff), which leads to urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. The reaction to latex can be acute (IgE-mediated) and delayed (cell-mediated). Acute reactions include urticaria and anaphylaxis; delayed reactions include dermatitis. Diagnosis is based on anamnesis. Anti-latex IgE tests and anti-latex cellular immune response skin tests are currently being developed, but neither test has been sufficiently validated. Treatment is avoidance of latex.
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