[Rubber allergy. An increasing health problem?].

Allergic reactions to rubber (latex) are now being reported more frequently. Symptoms include urticaria, contact dermatitis, rhinitis, local angioedema, asthma and anaphylactic shock. Medical workers and some groups of patients seem to be at risk of developing rubber allergy. The increased use of rubber gloves and condoms to prevent the spread of infections seems to lead to increased incidence of latex hypersensitivity. We report the case of a patient who experienced an immediate allergic reaction after using a condom. We then discuss latex antigens, the incidence and diagnosis of latex allergy, and associated risk factors.