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Latex Allergies

For reasons not yet clearly understood, some individuals can become allergic to certain constituents of the latex molecule. Once allergic, you may remain sensitive for the rest of your life. The common reactions of latex sensitive individuals exposed to latex are contact urticaria, dermatitis and asthma. Contact urticaria usually presents with itching and swelling of the skin at the site of contact with latex. This may, for example, be a hand from wearing gloves, genitals from contact with condoms, etc. The symptoms usually start within 5 - 15 minutes after coming into contact with the latex article, although it can be delayed for several hours. Symptoms can continue for a variable period, from several hours to days after the latex contact has ceased. Contact dermatitis from latex may take several days to appear. It presents with an itchy, scaly rash, although there may be small blisters if the reaction is acute. The rash will usually last several days to weeks but if exposure to latex continues, the rash will last longer. Contact dermatitis is not generally caused by sensitivity to latex protein but rather to the chemicals used in the manufacture of the latex product, including antioxidants and rubber accelerators e.g. thiuram, carbamates, MBT, etc. Immediate-type hypersensitivity requires previous sensitizations and is the most potentially dangerous reaction to latex. Clinical presentations vary but may include contact urticaria, coryza, conjunctivitis, stinging or burning, asthma, and, with mucosal or parenteral exposure, anaphylaxis. A common cause for the asthmatic reaction is powdered gloves. The starch powder picks up the latex proteins and when the gloves are removed the powders can then be inhaled or come into contact with the skin on the face where it can cause an allergic reaction.

Lentigo (sun spots)

These represent areas of permanent sun damage that pose no threat to the patient. They are areas of the skin in which the pigment producing cells (melanocytes) are damaged and typically overproduced pigment leading to so called "liver spots" or "age spots" on the hands face and chest. These can be successfully removed with a laser. Sometimes the opposite may occur and the melanocytes underproduce pigment resulting in a white spots.

Lentigo Maligna

Lentigo Maligna is a type of melanoma that arises on the face and can mimic a lentigo early in its course. This type of lesion makes it imperative that only a Dermatologist is qualified in the laser removal of pigmented (brown) spots.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a skin disease, which can also affect the mouth and gentials, that is charicterized by violet colored shiny very itchy bumps. Favorite spots are the wrists, ankles, penis and inside the mouth. The nails may also be deformed. There is an association in some people with hepatitis. Treatments include steroids, retnoids and light.

Lichen Simplex

Lichen simplex, also called neurodermatitis, is a common skin problem. It generally affects adults, and may result in one, or many itchy patches. Lichen simplex is a type of dermatitis, and is usually the result of repeated rubbing or scratching. The stimulus to scratch may be unrecognized, perhaps a mosquito bite, stress, or simply a nervous habit. The result is a very itchy patch of skin, often located on the nape of the neck, the scalp, the shoulder, the wrist, or the ankle. The genitals are less common sites. The affected skin is thickened, often appearing as a group of small firm papules (bumps). The skin markings are more visible, and the hairs are often broken-off. The color may be darker or sometimes paler than the surrounding skin. Lichen simplex tends to be very persistent, and readily recurs despite often initially effective treatment.

Lupus (discoid lupus erythematosis)

Discoid Lupus Erythematosis is an auto-immune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the skin and hair follicles typically in areas exposed to the sun resulting in permanent scarring, pigment loss and baldness. Treatment includes sunscreen, steroids, and immune altering drugs. In about 5% of patients they may go on to sytematic (body wide) Lupus.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete transmitted by an infected deer tick. The intial rash resembles an expanding target or bull's eye around the bite. Later there is fever, arthritis, nerve involvement and heart disease. Thus early detection and prompt treatment is paramount.