Unwanted skin reactions to latex have been present for many years now, mainly because of the widespread use of various products which contain natural latex proteins. Medical professionals are the main risk group, because of their everyday exposure to latex allergens, primarily through gloves, but also other products (such as catheters etc.). Unwanted skin reactions to latex manifest themselves as nonallergic (irritative contact dermatitis) and allergic lesions (type I and type IV), and clinical features vary from contact urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis to anaphylactic reaction. The diagnosis of these reactions is being established based on the main detailed anamnesis, clinical features and diagnostic tests (in vitro and in vivo). Usually in cases in which it is not possible to prove allergic etiology through skin tests (such as prick and patch tests), irritative contact dermatitis is being diagnosed. The latest research data regarding the prevalence of allergic reactions in medical professionals, as compared with other available data from the 20th century, have shown a decrease in prevalence from 10-17% to around 9.7% (over the last 5 years), which can be explained through the implementation of primary prevention measures which include larger production and sale control of latex gloves. Other primary prevention measures that medical professionals can take, include the usage of powder-free latex gloves, as well as hypoallergenic and ‘non-latex’ gloves. Available data has shown that primary prevention measures for unwanted skin reactions to latex are not enough, since it is necessary to introduce secondary measures which include the raising awareness in risk groups as well as the education of medical professionals.