Occupational exposure Compared to the general population, occupational populations that frequently utilize<unk>  gloves as barrier protection (such as healthcare professionals and hospital staff) see disproportionately high levels of allergy. Workers in these environments are exposed to<unk> ns both through direct skin contact and from contaminated aerosolized powder from gloves, toy balloons, or any other dusted<unk>  material. Occupational settings where employees are frequently putting on and pulling off powdered<unk>  gloves, such as hospitals and other health care settings, increase the rate of airborne<unk> ns and subsequent sensitivity. Hospital workers are particularly at risk due to the prevalence of<unk>  not just in gloves but in a number of other hospital implements, such as tourniquets, elastic bandages, bag valve masks, and urinary catheters. Other occupations that see increased exposure to<unk>  gloves and other supplies, and have higher rates of<unk>  or irritation compared to the general population, include hairdressers, housekeeping personnel, food service workers, and manufacturers in the industrial rubber industry. Alternative<unk>  exposure While most reported allergic reactions to<unk>  have occurred in medical settings, non-healthcare workers show similar levels of<unk>  antibodies, suggesting that they are sensitized to natural rubber<unk>  through other sources, both inside the home and as medical patients. In particular, individuals with chronic health concerns that lead to repeated surgeries or catheterizations thus experience greater exposure to<unk> ns and may develop an allergy. Outside of hospital environments,<unk>  may develop in amateur and professional athletes whose sports equipment includes natural rubber, such as swimsuits or running shoes. Rubber basketballs, in particular, may lead to contact dermatitis on the hands and fingertips. The sensitization to<unk>  in athletes may be accelerated by the use of topical analgesics and other agents that diminish the skin barrier and increase contact. It has also been hypothesized that young children may develop a<unk>  due to exposure in the home and school environment from objects such as rubber balloons, boots, gloves, and toys. Spina bifida People with spina bifida often have<unk> es. Up to 68% of children with this condition will have a reaction to<unk> . Related allergies People who have<unk>  also may have or develop an allergic response to some plants and/or products of these plants (such as fruits). This is known as the<unk> -fruit syndrome. Fruits (and seeds) involved in this syndrome include banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwifruit, mango, passionfruit, fig, strawberry, papaya, apple, melon, celery, potato, tomato, carrot, and soy. The proteins in these fruits are similar to<unk>  proteins. Hevein-like protein domains are a possible cause for allergen cross-reactivity between<unk>  and banana or fruits in general. Natural rubber<unk>  contains several conformational epitopes located on several enzymes such as Hev b 1, Hev b 2, Hev b 4, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02. FITkit is a<unk> n testing method for quantification of the major natural rubber<unk>  (NRL) specific allergens: Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5, and Hev b 6.02.
Latex allergy
Egg allergy
Wheat allergy
Sesame allergy
Insect sting allergy
Sweat allergy
Tree nut allergy
Poultry allergy