Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex, is derived from the milky sap
of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. This tree is found in Africa and
Southeast Asia.
Latex allergy develops after some sensitizing contact with latex. Rubber
gloves are the main source of allergic reactions. A component of the latex
substance itself is an allergen for many people. The latex glove powder residual
is an airborne allergen that causes upper airway allergic reactions in some
people, as well as worsening asthma.
What causes latex allergy?
The exact cause of latex allergy is unknown, but it is thought that repeated
exposure to latex and rubber products may induce symptoms.
Who is affected by latex allergy?
People at increased risk for developing latex allergy include people who have:
- Children with spina bifida and other congenital urologic abnormalities
- Persons with frequent occupational latex glove exposure, such
as those working in healthcare, dentistry, animal laboratories and veterinary medicine
- Workers in the rubber industry
- Individuals with a history of multiple surgical procedures
- Individuals with known food allergies to banana, avocado, kiwi or chestnuts
- Individuals with atopy (family history of allergies), asthma, or eczema
In addition, about 5 to 10 percent of health care workers have some form of
allergy to latex.
What are the symptoms of latex allergy?
If you experience a latex allergic reaction, you may have the following signs and symptoms:
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Eye tearing and irritation
- Wheezing
- Itching
What happens during a latex reaction?
There are three types of latex reactions, with increasing severity of symptoms:
Irritant contact dermatitis: the least threatening type of latex
reaction, classified as a non-allergenic skin reaction. It results in dryness,
itching, burning, scaling, and lesions of the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis: a delayed reaction to additives used in
latex processing, which results in the same type of reactions as irritant
contact dermatitis. However, the reaction is more severe, less localized
(spreads to more parts of the body), and lasts longer.
Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity): (latex
hypersensitivity) is the most serious reaction to latex. It can appear as
rhinitis with hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (pink eye), cramps,
hives, or severe itching. Rarely, symptoms may progress to include rapid heart
beat, tremors, chest pain, difficulty breathing, hypotension, anaphylactic
shock, temporary loss of consciousness or potentially, death.
What should I do when a latex-allergy reaction occurs?
Allergic reactions to latex can range from skin redness and itching to more
serious symptoms, including difficulty breathing, hives, or acute (sudden onset)
gastrointestinal problems.
True allergic reactions to latex rarely progress to the life-threatening
conditions such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing or rapid heart rate.
However, if left untreated, an allergic reaction could potentially result in
death.
If you experience severe symptoms, call your doctor or 911 immediately, or go
to the nearest emergency room.
How is latex allergy diagnosed?
A latex allergy is diagnosed in patients who:
Have experienced signs or symptoms of allergic reaction (skin rash, hives,
eye tearing or irritation, wheezing, itching, difficulty breathing) when
exposed to latex or natural rubber products.
Do not have signs or symptoms of latex allergy but are known to be at risk
for latex allergy and have a positive skin test to latex. A blood test is
sometimes performed to detect certain types of allergy-producing antibodies if
skin testing cannot be done.
How is latex allergy treated?
Reactions may be treated by removing the offending latex product, and with
drug treatment (according to the type of symptoms). If you have latex allergy,
it is important that you wear a Medic Alert bracelet and carry an emergency
epinephrine syringe (EpiPen).
There is no cure for latex allergy, so the best treatment for this condition is prevention.
How can I make my home safe?
To ensure a latex-safe environment, you must make many lifestyle changes.
While it may require leading a more protected and isolated life, you can
continue certain activities when precautions are taken. These include the following:
- Carry basic latex alternatives and medical equipment at all times
- Keep all shoes, boots, and sneakers in covered containers
- Never travel alone. Always travel with another person, especially to doctor
appointments where you might accidentally come into contact with latex
- Plan in advance to ensure that you can avoid latex at any family function
or party
Because a latex allergy becomes worse with each exposure, you should avoid
products containing latex. While it is difficult to obtain full and accurate
information on the latex content of products, you may become better informed by
checking with suppliers before buying a product.
The following list highlights some (but not all) of the latex products you
should avoid in the home:
- Rubber sink stoppers and sink mats
- Rubber or rubber-grip utensils
- Rubber electrical cords or water hoses
- Bath mats and floor rugs that have rubber backing
- Toothbrushes with rubber grips or handles
- Rubber tub toys
- Sanitary napkins (that contain rubber)
- Condoms/diaphragms
- Diapers that contain rubber
- Adult undergarments that contain rubber
- Waterproof bed pads containing rubber
- Undergarments, socks and other clothing with elastic bands that contain
rubber
- Adhesives such as glue, paste, art supplies, glue pens
- Older Barbie dolls and other dolls that are made of rubber
- Rubber bands, mouse and keyboard cords, desktop and chair pads, rubber
stamps
- Mouse and wrist pads containing rubber
- Keyboards and calculators with rubber keys or switches
- Pens with comfort grip or any rubber coating
- Remote controllers for TVs or VCRs with rubber grips or keys
- Camera, telescope or binocular eye pieces
- Bathing caps and elastic in bathing suits
What products should I avoid outside the home?
- Grocery store checkout belts
- Restaurants where workers use latex gloves for food preparation (call ahead
to ensure your safety)
- Balloons
- Auto races that emit tire and rubber particles
- ATM machine buttons (often made of rubber)
For lists of latex alternatives and latex-free products, visit the American
Latex Allergy Association website at www.latexallergyresources.org. Another
resource is the CDC Latex Allergy Hotline (1-800-356-4674, or www.cdc.gov/niosh/latexfs.html).
To check out a product's contents for sure, call the manufacturer.
What if I have to go to the doctor?
If you have a documented latex allergy and must visit the doctor or dentist,
inform the doctor of your latex allergy at least 24 hours before your scheduled
appointment. The hospital or doctor's office should have a latex-free protocol
that it follows for patients with latex allergies. If you have to stay in the
hospital, you will usually be given your own room, free of latex products.
Do I have to change my diet?
Latex allergies may also cross over into food groups. If you are already
allergic to certain foods, you may be at high risk for developing a latex
allergy. The following foods can trigger a latex-like allergic reaction because
the proteins in them mimic latex proteins as they break down in the body:
- Banana
- Avocado
- Potato
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Fig
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Plum
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Melon
- Nectarine
- Grape
- Tomato
- Celery
- Rye
- Wheat
- Hazelnut
- Chestnut
Please note: Not all people who have these food allergies will also have
latex allergies.
© Copyright 1995-2009 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 4/13/2006…#8623
