Allergy-inducing agents Allergy-inducing agents

Prevention of allergic risk in the health environment includes primary prevention precautions undertaken on the working environment and secondary prevention measures undertaken on man.
In relation to contact dermatitis, primary prevention measures consist in the adoption of a correct behaviour to minimize the factors favouring sensitization and also in the employment of hypoallergic gloves. As far as the behaviour is concerned, the employment of detergents-antiseptics with non-physiological pH and an irritating action must be avoided, as skin irritation favours sensitization phenomena. Furthermore, excessive washing and rubbing of the hands and forearms should be avoided, as such manoeuvres harm the cutaneous hydrolipidic layer that is an essential barrier against the passing of allergens to deeper layers.
The employment of hypoallergic gloves is difficult because none of the existing gloves is completely free of allergic risk.
In relation to allergic respiratory pathologies, primary prevention measures are a recent problem and measures are still being discussed.
As far as secondary prevention is concerned, measures are essentially devoted to the identification of the subjects at highest risk of sensitization, such as the atopic subjects and those affected by allergic dermatitis of a different nature.
Finally, it is necessary to adopt appropriate programs addressed to the personnel in relation to the risk of latex sensitization. In fact, in the case of latex sensitization not only it is necessary that the allergen be removed from the working place, but also that extra-working measures be adopted by the worker to avoid contact with the allergen. It is important that this allergy be pointed out to the health personnel in the case of a surgical operation and of simple diagnostic procedures (gynaecological examinations and odontological operations). Furthemore, these subjects must avoid food with cross reactivity with latex, such as bananas, chestnuts, hazelnuts, avocados and kiwi.



For additional information

• Latex Allergy a Prevention Guide (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Clinical wards

Clinical wards

Allergy-inducing agents Allergy-inducing agents