Allergy and desensitization to latex. Clinical study on 50 dentistry subjects.

AIM: Nowadays latex allergy represents a relevant social and occupational problem because this substance constitutes the first material to realise many dental and non dental products; then, there is a cross-reactivity between latex allergens and proteins present in many vegetal foods. The aim of our research was to find latex allergy cases experimenting a percutaneous desensitization protocol. METHODS: Among 50 examined subjects, those patients resulting positive to thiuram-mix by patch test have been submitted to desensitization after removal of all latex products and substances giving cross-allergy (kiwi, celery, chestnuts, tomato, banana etc.). Desensitization has been carried out by using latex glove from 10 s progressively to 1 h after 1-year treatment. RESULTS: In 7 patients out of 11 (63.6%) regression of symptoms has been verified; 2 patients (18.2%) have declined treatment and 2 patients (18.2%) have showed no regression. CONCLUSIONS: Apart immunotherapy and DNA-vaccines, nowadays percutaneous desensitization is the most efficacious, safe and easy treatment for latex allergic patients; it has no collateral effects during its execution and no symptoms coming back to work, but it needs further verifications.