LATEX AND CHLORHEXIDINE ALLERGY AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN EMERGENCY CENTRES IN AFRICAN SETTINGS: A REVIEW.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) and chlorhexidine are important causes of occupational allergy in healthcare settings. A significant reduction in NRL allergy has been reported in countries that have adopted latex-avoidance measures. However, healthcare workers (HCWs) in many developing countries continue to use powdered NRL gloves, increasing their risk of developing an allergy to NRL. Chlorhexidine is commonly used for hand hygiene and disinfecting patients' surfaces or wounds in emergency centres. However, only a few cases of occupational allergy to chlorhexidine have been reported among HCWs. Both NRL and chlorhexidine can induce IgE-mediated allergic reactions and irritant contact dermatitis. Unlike NRL, chlorhexidine can cause cell-mediated hypersensitivity. Allergic contact dermatitis resulting from wearing NRL gloves is due to rubber additives and not NRL allergens. Testing for allergic sensitisation is a crucial step in the clinical evaluation of these allergies. Avoiding exposure to the source of the problem remains the most effective method of managing these allergies. Powdered NRL gloves should be replaced with powder-free, low-protein or low-allergen NRL gloves or non-NRL alternatives. For chlorhexidine allergy, alternative products should be made available to sensitised HCWs. Adequate information about these allergies should be provided to all HCWs. In addition, the lowest effective concentration of chlorhexidine should be used and all chlorhexidine-containing products should be clearly labelled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]