Latex allergies can cause redness, itching, swelling, blisters, hives, and anaphylaxis. Natural latex is used to make various products, including medical gloves and household items. Those exposed to latex frequently, such as healthcare workers, are at a higher risk of developing an allergy. Avoiding contact with latex and wearing a medical alert bracelet are recommended for those with a latex allergy. Treatment includes medications and avoiding latex exposure.
A person can tell if they are allergic to latex if they experience allergic reactions after being in contact with latex. Common symptoms include redness, chronic itching, swelling, blisters that secrete a clear fluid, crusting, and hives. More serious allergic reactions can range from extreme difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat, itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing.
The life-threatening condition anaphylaxis is another sign that a person is allergic to latex. Signs of this condition often include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, rapid drop in blood pressure, and shock. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to death. Anyone with signs of anaphylaxis should be taken to a hospital emergency department immediately.
Natural latex is made from a liquid in rubber trees located in Southeast Asia and Africa. This liquid is used to make various rubber products. A sampling of items manufactured from latex are rubber toys, rubber bands, diapers, sanitary towels, condoms, balloons, dishwashing gloves, and other basic household items. Medical and dental gloves, blood pressure cuffs and other medical materials are also made from latex. Items such as dolls, waist bands, and television remote controls can also be made from latex.
No one knows exactly what causes a latex allergy, but latex allergies often appear in people who are habitually exposed to latex. For example, those working in the healthcare and rubber industry have a high risk of becoming allergic to the material. People with spina bifida, food allergies, or who have had multiple operations can also be highly susceptible to latex allergies. People who suspect they may be allergic to latex should consult their doctor. Medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms; however, the best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid contact with latex.
People with latex allergies should learn which items in their environment contain latex and find substitutes for those particular items. They should also avoid breathing in latex particles from items such as powdered gloves. It is important for a person with a latex allergy to wear a medical alert bracelet that alerts medical professionals that they have this particular condition.
Healthcare workers allergic to latex should wear only non-latex gloves. Colleagues should wear powder-free gloves or even latex-free gloves. At present, no medical treatment is capable of desensitizing people to the effects of latex. If someone experiences a reaction, it is often treated with steroids, antihistamines, and epinephrine.
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