Are there different types of latex allergies?
The three recognized reactions to latex include non-allergic irritant contact dermatitis, type IV cell-mediated allergies and type I IgE-mediated allergies. Non-allergic irritant contact dermatitis, a skin rash, is the most common reaction affecting regular wearers of powdered and non-powdered latex gloves. Symptoms include dry, crusted patches in the glove area also caused by certain types of cleaners, repeated hand washing and incomplete hand drying. Type IV cell-mediated allergies, the most common immune system reaction to latex, affect 82 percent of individuals allergic to rubber products. A delayed hypersensitivity to one or more of the 300-plus chemicals used to manufacture latex, type IV allergies produce allergic contact dermatitis within 48 to 96 hours of exposure. Continued exposure puts individuals with a type IV allergy at risk of developing the antibodies that trigger a type I latex allergy. Type I IgE-mediated allergies represent an immediate hypersensitivity to actual la
