Latex Allergy Symptoms and Avoidance

Latex, commonly known as rubber, is harvested from the sap of the rubber tree, found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

What Causes Latex Allergy?

The exact cause of latex allergy is unknown, however, repeated exposure to latex and rubber products may induce symptoms.

About 5% to 10% of healthcare workers have some form of allergy to latex, probably due to repeated exposure to rubber gloves..

Who Is Affected By Latex Allergy?

In addition to healthcare workers, people with an increased risk of developing a latex allergy include:

• People with a defect in the bone marrow cells.
• People with a deformed bladder or urinary tract.
• People with a history of multiple surgeries.
• Users of urinary catheters, which have rubber tips.
• Food allergies to avocados, bananas, chestnuts or kiwis.

Condom users and rubber industry workers are also more likely to develop a latex allergy.

How Are People Exposed to Latex?

• Via the skin, when latex gloves are worn.
• Via mucous membranes, such as the eyes, mouth, rectum and vagina.
• Via inhalation. Rubber gloves contain an airborne powder.
• Via the blood, when certain medical devices containing rubber are used.

What are the Latex Allergy Symptoms?

There are three types of latex allergy symptoms:

• Irritant contact dermatitis. This is the least serious type of latex reaction. It often occurs as a result of repeated exposure to chemicals found in latex gloves. Symptoms include dry skin, burning, itching, scaling and lesions.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. This is typically a delayed reaction to additives used in latex processing. Symptoms are similar to those of Contact Dermatitis, but they are more severe in nature, they last longer,and they can spread to other parts of the body.
• Latex Hypersensitivity (immediate allergic reaction). This is the most serious reaction to latex. It can manifest itself as conjunctivitis (pink eye), cramps, hives, rhinitis (hay fever-like symptoms), and severe itching. Although rare, symptoms can progress to include chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, tremors, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock or potentially, death.

Latex Allergy Diagnosis

A latex allergy is diagnosed in people who:

• Have experienced signs or symptoms of allergic reaction (hives, itching, skin rash, watery eyes or irritation, wheezing, difficulty breathing) when exposed to products containing latex / natural rubber.
• Have tested positively in a blood or skin test for latex allergy.

Skin testing for a latex allergy can causea severe allergic reaction. Therefore, it should only be done with the close supervision of an allergy specialist.

Latex Allergy Treatment

Latex allergy is not curable, so prevention / avoidance is the best course of action.

Antihistamine and/or corticosteroid medicines may be used to treat milder symptoms. Severe reactions require the attention of medical professionals..

If you have a latex allergy, it is important for you to wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an emergency epinephrine syringe.

How Can I Make My Home Safe?

Latex allergy reactions become worse with each exposure, therefore you should do everything you can to avoid products containing latex.

• Use latex alternatives (see list below).
• Keep all boots, sneakers and shoes in covered containers.
• Always travel with another person if atall possible..
• Here are some common household items containing latex that you should avoid:

• Sink stoppers and sink mats made of rubber
• Rubber grip utensils
• Rubber water hoses and electrical cords
• Bath mats and floor rugs with rubber backing
• Toothbrushes with rubber grips
• Rubber tub toys
• Sanitary napkins (some contain rubber)
• Diaphragms / Condoms
• Diapers / adult undergaments that contain rubber
• Clothing with elastic bands that contain rubber
• Adhesives such as art supplies, glue, glue pens and paste
• Vintage Barbie dolls or other dolls that made of rubber
• Rubber bands and rubber stamps
• Calculators and computer keyboards with rubber keys or switches
• Pens with rubber coatings
• Bathing caps and elastic in bathing suits

Avoiding Latex Outside the Home

Some (but not all) latex products you should avoid outside the home:

• Grocery store checkout belts
• Balloons
• Automobile races (tire and rubber particles)
• ATM machine buttons (frequently made of rubber)

Latex Alternatives

There are many alternatives that can be used in place of latex. These include:

Dietary Considerations?

Latex allergies may also cross over into certain food groups, and vice versa (if you are already allergic to certain foods, you may be at high risk for becoming allergic to latex). This subtle linkage is due to the way certain protein in these foods are processed by the body.

Note: Not all people who have these food allergies will also develop latex allergies.