Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) can be an acute or chronic skin eruption triggered by cosmetics, fragrances, dyes, fabrics, metals, rubber, plants, pet saliva, chemicals, and so on. The dis­tinction between allergy and irritation doesn't always matter. If latex gloves make your hands itch, don't wear them.

The good news is that your skin is right there in front of you, visible and tangible. You can see, smell, and touch what's going on. With care and astute observations, contact skin aller­gies can be among the easiest ailments to heal.

LATEX-ON THE RISE

More than two thousand severe allergic reactions and at least forty deaths linked to latex have been reported since the late 1980s. The FDA now mandates that all medical devices with latex must carry the warning that their product can cause aller­gic reactions.

The sharp rise in these reactions stems mainly from the sev­enfold increase in the use of latex gloves since 1987, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended them as protection from HIV and hepatitis. Since then, they've be­come a necessity for health care workers and almost everyone who comes into close physical contact with people. Also, sexual partners have greatly increased their use of latex condoms.

Restaurant workers often wear protective latex gloves when handling and preparing food, which is why some latex-sensitive diners have problems eating out.

What exactly is this strange-sounding substance with the ex­otic name? Glad you asked. Latex (from the Latin word for "water" or "fluid") is a milky liquid that comes from the sap of the rubber tree. It's mainly found in paints, plastics, rubber, and their products. People with pollen allergies, especially to mugwort, ragweed, and timothy grass, often react to latex be cause the allergens share similar components. The same cross-sensitivity exists with such foods as avocados, bananas, celery, chestnuts, kiwis, tomatoes, papayas, potatoes, and walnuts.

People allergic to latex react in two ways. The first type of reaction involves skin rashes, hives, and swelling. The second, much more serious reaction is respiratory and can lead to severe asthma and anaphylactic shock.

Currently, there is no safe skin test available to diagnose latex allergy, and blood tests are not wholly accurate. The treat­ment is, of course, avoidance at all costs! If vinyl doesn't irri­tate you, vinyl gloves make good substitutes for latex gloves, but may not provide as much germ protection.

Beware of so-called hypoallergenic powder-free gloves that have omitted the talcum powder but not the latex. The good news is that truly protective alternative products will soon be available.