Abstract
Natural rubber latex allergy: causes, symptoms, and modern diagnostic methods
Individual Specialist Medical Practice, Warsaw, Poland
National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
Adv Dermatol Allergol 2026; XLIII (3): 233–245
Introduction
Natural latex allergy poses significant risks in medicine due to widespread use of the material and potential for severe reactions.
Aim
To examine latex allergy causes, clinical manifestations, and contemporary diagnostic approaches through systematic literature review.
Methods
Systematic analysis of 67 publications published between 2019 and 2024, conducted from August to December 2024, using multiple databases, defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and comparative content analysis.
Results
Fresh latex comprises 60% water, 35% polyisoprene, and 5% proteins/lipids, with Hev b proteins being highly sensitising. Medical personnel demonstrate 5–17% allergy prevalence; industrial workers show up to 12% sensitisation. Key risk factors include atopy, tropical fruit cross-reactivity, and multiple childhood surgeries. Skin tests, specific IgE detection, and provocation tests demonstrate high diagnostic efficacy.
Conclusions
Unified allergenicity assessment standards and enhanced regulatory control are essential. Transitioning to synthetic alternatives and improving early diagnostic protocols can reduce complications and enhance safety.
Keywords
sensitisation, immune response, clinical manifestations, skin tests, natural rubber latex (NRL), Hev b allergens, latex–fruit syndrome
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