Latex allergy in children with no known risk factor for latex sensitization

Abstract

We describe latex allergy in 11 atopic children, aged 0.7-11.1 years, without any known risk factor. A skin prick-test (SPT) for latex was positive in 8/11, and latex specific IgE was found in all. Latex glove challenge was positive in 9 assessed. These patients demonstrate that latex allergy should be looked for not only in children who have had several operations or those children reporting symptoms from rubber, but also in children with severe atopic eczema, banana allergy, or urticaria or anaphylaxis for which the cause is unknown.