A woman comes in to the pharmacy, and says she has developed bright red hands and wrists. She has recently started a new job as a cleaner, and says the rash only seems to occur at work. QUESTIONS 1. This rash is probably an allergic reaction, caused by the woman wearing latex gloves at work. True or false? 2. Latex allergy is very common, with 20-25 per cent of the population affected at some time during their life. True or false? 3. Although the resultant rash can be very itchy, the condition is not serious. True or false? 4. Latex may be present in gloves, condoms, catheters syringes and balloons. True or false? 5. Medication is the mainstay of the treatment of latex allergy. True or false?

DISCUSSION 1. True. This rash is most likely to be caused by latex allergy. 2. False. It occurs in 1-5 per cent of the population, with an increased prevalence in atopic individuals. 3. False. In extreme cases latex allergy may be fatal, resulting from anaphylaxis. Patients need to be made aware of this possibility. 4. True. patients with confirmed latex allergy are usually provided with a list of where latex may be found. This even includes carpets, elastic in clothing and shoes. 5. False. The most important part of the management of latex allergy is education to avoid exposure to the allergen. Medical treatment can be useful, including antihistamines, steroids and adrenaline for anaphylaxis.