Latex Allergies

Latex is made from a milky liquid derived from the tropical rubber tree called Hevea brasiliensis. Rubber products, such as balloons, inflatable toys, pacifiers, rubber bands, bandages, adhesive tape, diapers, sanitary pads and condoms are all made from the processed liquid from natural latex trees.

Latex allergies occur when the proteins of the latex causes and allergic reaction in some people.

As with most allergies, a latex allergy is characterized by inflammation of the skin and respiratory tract. The symptoms become obvious within a few minutes or at most a few hours after contact with the natural rubber. Although these symptoms are most often not dangerous and tend not to last longer than a day, in rare cases a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur.

The diagnosis and treatment of a latex allergy does not differ from that of other allergies. Diagnosis commonly consists of blood and skin tests (as you’ll find described throughout this website).

Although many medications, lotions and creams are available to reduce the symptoms of a latex allergy, there are no cures for this condition. Your physician will likely focus on those preventive measures that revolve around avoiding contact with latex-containing products.

Unfortunately, a wide variety of products contain latex: medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and numerous household objects.

The most common reaction to latex products is irritant contact dermatitis — the development of dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, usually the hands. This reaction is caused by skin irritation from using gloves and possibly by exposure to other workplace products and chemicals. The reaction can also result from repeated hand washing and drying, incomplete hand drying, use of cleaners and sanitizers, and exposure to powders added to the gloves. Irritant contact dermatitis is not a true allergy.

Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure to latex, but they can occur hours later and can produce various symptoms. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely, shock may occur; but a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy. Such reactions are similar to those seen in some allergic persons after a bee sting.

Reports about the prevalence of latex allergy vary greatly. This variation is probably due to different levels of exposure and methods for estimating latex sensitization or allergy. Recent reports in the scientific literature indicate that from about 1% to 6% of the general population and about 8% to 12% of regularly exposed health care workers are sensitized to latex.