About

An allergy is an abnormal immune reaction to a foreign substance (molecule or protein) called an allergen. Most allergies occur in atopic patients (carriers of the atopy gene), and symptoms vary depending on exposure to allergens (environment). The most common airborne allergies are to pollen, dust mites, and animal fur.

Tree pollen can induce oral allergy reactions when crossed with certain fruits (apples, hazelnuts, etc.). Food allergies, medication allergies, and bee and wasp venom allergies are common and dangerous, although they are not related to atopy. Latex proteins can cause rhino-conjunctivitis type allergies, asthma, and even anaphylactic shock.

The preservatives contained in latex can cause contact eczema. Many molecules and atoms (nickel, perfumes, etc.) can cause contact eczema.