Are there other risk factors for developing contact dermatitis?

Yes, in particular, with people who have a Type I latex allergy, clinical cross-reaction can occur between latex protein allergens and substances found in certain fruits and nuts. Examples include fruits like bananas, kiwis, avocados, and mangoes which contain proteins that are the same as those contained in latex sap. People with allergies to foods like mangoes, macadamia nuts, avocados, and bananas therefore have an increased risk for latex allergy. 

Another risk factor besides certain cross-reacting fruit and nut allergies is a person’s history of multiple Type 1 allergies, such as ragweed, hay fever, house dust, and other respiratory allergies. These individuals suffer from a condition called “atopy,” and are classified as atopic. They develop Type I allergies much more readily than other people, putting them at higher risk for developing contact dermatitis or Type I reactions to not only latex gloves but to other dental materials and medicaments.