LATEX ALLERGY

 Basic information

description

Latex allergy involves reactions of the body to natural rubber latex. Latex is a milky fluid produced by rubber trees. It is used in thousands of products (e.g., rubber gloves). Types of reactions are: irritant contact dermatitis, delayed (type IV) hypersensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis), and immediate (type I) hypersensitivity.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Irritant contact dermatitis:
  • Dry, crusty, itchy, sore areas on the skin.
  • Often affects the hands (e.g., use of rubber gloves).
• Delayed (type IV) hypersensitivity:
  • Rash that starts 6 to 48 hours after exposure. Usually starts on the skin area that has come into contact with latex. Rash may spread to other areas.
  • Skin is dry and crusty. Blisters or sores may occur.
• Immediate (type I) hypersensitivity:
  • Normally occurs right away, but could take hours.
  • Skin is red and itchy; may have hives.
  • Eyes are red and watery.
  • Runny nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Chest feels tight; may be short of breath.
  • Shock or a life-threatening reaction (rare).

causes

• Irritant contact dermatitis is not an allergic reaction. It is due to the skin being irritated (e.g., sweating or rubbing under rubber gloves).
• Delayed (type IV) hypersensitivity is most often a reaction to the chemicals added to latex products.
• In immediate (type I) hypersensitivity, the body's immune system reacts to repeated exposure (e.g., over months or years) to latex. It may come from contact with latex or breathing in latex allergens (e.g., from the powder in gloves) that become airborne.

risk increases with

• Health care workers or others who use latex gloves often, or are exposed to them.
• Having had many operations (where you were exposed to latex gloves).
• Other allergies, such as hay fever or eczema.
• Food allergies, including avocado and banana.
• Rubber industry and latex manufacturing workers.
• Children born with spina bifida.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

For those diagnosed with the allergy, avoid latex.

expected outcomes

There is no cure for latex allergy. Repeated exposure to latex can worsen the immune system response. Avoiding latex is the best action. Many products are made from latex, so this is not always easy to do.

possible complications

• Some people may need to change jobs due to latex exposure in their workplace.
• Rarely, anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction occurs. Seek emergency help if this happens.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and may confirm the diagnosis with a blood test. Skin tests may be done (carry a risk for serious allergic reactions).
• There is no treatment, except to avoid latex products.
• Find out which products in your home and work contain latex. Thousands of items contain latex. Find substitutes you can use for those products. Read labels, or ask, before buying a product.
• Health care workers and others should wear powder-free latex gloves or non-latex gloves. Powder can get in the air, and if breathed in can cause a reaction.
• Most male condoms, as well as diaphragms and cervical caps, are latex. If you use them, ask your health care provider about options for birth control and safe sex.
• Advise any health care provider you consult that you have a latex allergy. Wear a medical alert type tag or ID that lets others know you have this allergy.
• Discuss your latex allergy with your employer to find ways to avoid latex exposure in your workplace.
• If your allergy is severe, carry a kit with a self-injecting device that contains the drug epinephrine. Instruct family and others on its use if you are unable to do so.
• To learn more: American Latex Allergy Association, PO Box 198, Singer, WI 53086; (888) 972-5378; web-site: www.latexallergyresources.org.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed for allergy symptoms.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

You or a family member has latex allergy symptoms.

Special Notes: