Type IV Hypersensitivity from Rubber Chemicals: A 15-Year Experience in Taiwan

Abstract

This is the first statistically analyzed study of rubber chemical allergy in Asia, which supports major trends concerning rubber chemical allergy from European studies. However, wearing rubber slippers in Taiwan contributes to the high percentage of foot dermatitis. Carba should still be retained in the European standard series because of the coexistence of thiuram and carba in rubber products. The concomitant sensitization to cobalt in rubber-allergic patients needs further evaluations.