Summary
This document is a review article that discusses the clinical issues surrounding chemical contact allergies, particularly those related to rubber products. It outlines the role of chemical accelerators in the production of natural rubber latex and synthetic medical gloves, which can induce skin dermatitis reactions. The review emphasizes the challenges in diagnosing chemical contact allergies through conventional patch testing, given the expanding list of allergens. A systematic review of 445 research papers was conducted, resulting in 291 publications being included for analysis. The primary objective was to identify the prevalence and major allergens responsible for occupational skin dermatitis, which affects a significant portion of the population. The findings highlight various allergens, including metals, preservatives, and rubber contact allergens. The review concludes by stressing the importance of recognizing contact allergies in clinical settings and suggests that investigative patch testing combined with analytical chemistry can enhance diagnostic accuracy.
