Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex, is derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Latex can be found in many household products and also in many medical and dental supplies including gloves, masks, and syringes.
Latex allergy develops in some individuals after repeated exposure to products containing natural rubber latex. As is the cause in any allergy, a latex allergy arises when an individual’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance (called an allergen).
In this case, the immune system overreacts when a dental device or supply that contains latex – such as gloves -- comes into contact with the mucous membranes (the eyes, nose, or mouth) of a susceptible individual. Even the powder used on latex gloves can contain the latex proteins that become airborne when the gloves are removed, causing upper airway allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in susceptible people.
What causes latex allergy?
The exact cause of latex allergy is unknown, but repeated exposure to latex and rubber products is thought to trigger symptoms.
Who is affected by latex allergy?
Other than health care workers, people at increased risk for developing latex allergy include those who have:
- Myelodysplasia (defects in the bone marrow cells)
- A deformed bladder or urinary tract
- A history of multiple surgical procedures
- Exposure to rubber-tipped catheters (such as a urinary catheter)
- Exposure to rubber dams (used for certain types of dental procedures)
- A history of allergies, asthma, or eczema
- Food allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwis, tomatoes, or chestnuts
What can happen as a result of a latex reaction?
There are three types of latex reactions:
- Irritant contact dermatitis — This is the least threatening type of latex reaction. This non-allergenic reaction results in dryness, itching, burning, scaling, and lesions on the skin.
- Allergic contact dermatitis — This is a delayed reaction to additives used in latex processing, which results in the same type of reactions as irritant contact dermatitis (dryness, itching, burning, scaling and lesions on the skin), but the reaction is more severe, spreads to more parts of the body, and lasts longer.
- Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity) — This is the most serious reaction to latex. Symptoms include runny nose with hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (pink eye), cramps, hives, and severe itching. Rarely, symptoms might progress to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis -- which is associated with such symptoms as a sudden drop in blood pressure, an increased pulse, tremors, chest pain, difficulty breathing/wheezing, and tissue swelling. If left untreated, this condition could lead to temporary loss of consciousness and potentially death (rarely).
What should I do if I think I’m experiencing a latex allergic reaction?
If you experience severe symptoms, call your dentist or doctor or 911 immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.
How is a 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. Since the latex allergen used in the test is not readily available in the U.S., a blood test is sometimes performed to detect allergy-producing antibodies.
Skin testing for latex allergy should only be done with the close supervision of an allergy specialist because of the risk of severe reactions.
How is a latex allergy treated?
Reactions might be treated by removal of the latex product and drug treatment according to the type of symptoms developing. If the symptoms are irritant contact dermatitis, antihistamine and/or corticosteroid medicines might be enough to treat symptoms. Severe reactions should be treated with epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and other support by hospital or emergency personnel.
If you have latex allergy, it is important for you to wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an emergency epinephrine syringe. Epinephrine is the treatment used for severe allergic reactions.
There is no cure for latex allergy, so the best treatment for this condition is prevention. Besides the foods already mentioned in this document, there are other foods that might trigger a latex-like allergic reaction in people with latex allergy and should be avoided. It might help to make a list of foods that trigger a reaction.
Do I have to take any special precautions before visiting my dentist?
If you have a known latex allergy, call your dentist’s office at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Your dentist and his or her staff should have a latex-free protocol that they follow for patients with latex allergies. They will also make a note of your allergy in your medical record.
I don’t have a latex allergy now but should I be concerned that I might develop a latex allergy from exposure to the latex gloves that my dentist wears?
Your dentist and other health care workers who wear latex gloves all the time have more to be concerned about than you do. You could develop a latex sensitivity to the gloves. This is different from latex allergy. With a latex sensitivity, you’d develop a swelling or a rash in the area where the gloves touched you. This would be an irritant contact dermatitis. A true allergic reaction is more serious, is less common, and would cause symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, full-body rash, and swelling.
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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: 8/5/2003...#11267
