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Some medical devices such as gloves, adhesive plasters, and catheters use natural rubber. Repeated contact with this natural rubber product may cause immediate allergic reactions such as urticaria, asthma symptoms and anaphylactic shock. This is called a latex allergy. Latex protein contained in the white sap of rubber trees becomes an allergen.

In the medical field, there is a high frequency of contact with natural rubber products such as gloves, and if the barrier function of the skin is reduced due to atopic dermatitis, the risk of developing latex allergy increases. It is important to note that there are cases in which allergies develop while patients are repeatedly receiving medical treatment, and cases in which medical professionals develop asthma and have to change workplaces.
For this reason, in Japan, since 1999, it has been obligatory to clearly state that it is a natural rubber product and that there is a risk of latex allergy in the product manuals of medical devices. In addition, the use of latex-free medical equipment is recommended, and various products are already in widespread use.
However, with the spread of COVID-19 infection, the global shortage of medical materials and rising prices have led to an increase in the amount of natural rubber products that can be obtained at relatively low prices. The frequency of wearing gloves is increasing to prevent infection, and it can be said that the risk of allergies is increasing accordingly.
The best precaution is to avoid natural rubber products. We recommend using latex-free medical equipment whenever possible.