Latex allergy in children

: More than a thousand cases of type-1 latex allergy have been presented. In children the condition is most often described in patients with spina bifida. Six cases of latex allergy in atopic children are presented. Five of these had food allergies, especially to banana. The allergy was verified with prick-test, LHR-test and measurement of specific IgE. It is concluded that attention to latex allergy in atopic children has to be intensified. Prick-test with standardised latex extracts is the preferred method for diagnosis of the allergy. Latex dummies, latex toys, balloons etc, have to be avoided.