Latex Allergy — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyInflammatory DermatosesLatex AllergySCE Dermatology

A 27-year-old woman is diagnosed with latex allergy after developing urticaria and dyspnoea when wearing latex gloves at work. She is a nurse. What type of hypersensitivity reaction is latex allergy of the immediate type?

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Correct answer: B — Type I (IgE-mediated)

The correct answer is B, Type I (IgE-mediated). Immediate-type latex allergy occurs when natural rubber latex proteins cross-link IgE bound to mast cells and basophils, triggering degranulation with release of histamine, leukotrienes and other mediators, producing the rapid-onset urticaria, angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchospasm and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis seen in this nurse within minutes of glove contact. This mechanism is the classic definition of Type I hypersensitivity and explains the temporal pattern (immediate, on-contact) rather than a delayed one. Healthcare workers are a recognised high-risk group due to repeated mucosal and cutaneous latex protein exposure, and diagnosis is confirmed with latex-specific IgE or skin prick testing.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/skin-conditions