Are You At Risk for Latex Allergy?

Source: Cleveland Clinic
as published in the March/April issue of Coping with Allergies and Asthma Magazine

Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex, is derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis , 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.

People at increased risk for developing latex allergy include people who have myelodysplasia; congenital urologic abnormalities; a history of multiple surgical procedures; intermittent catheterization; dental dams for endodontic care; atopy, asthma or eczema; or food allergies. In addition, about five to 10 percent of healthcare workers have some form of allergy to latex.

If you experience a latex allergic reaction, you may have the following signs and symptoms: skin rash, hives, eye tearing and irritation, wheezing, or itching.

There are three types of latex reactions, with increasing severity of symptoms. Irritant contact dermatitis is the least threatening type of latex reactions, classified as a nonallergenic skin reaction. It results in dryness, itching, burning, scaling and lesions of the skin.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed reaction to additives used in the latex processing, which result in the same type of reactions as irritant contact dermatitis (dryness, itching, burning, scaling and lesions of the skin), but the reaction is more severe, less localized (spreads to more parts of the body), and longer lasting.

Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity) is the most serious reaction to latex. It can appear as rhinitis with hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (pink eye), cramps, hives and severe itching.

Allergic reactions to latex can range from skin redness and itching to much more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or acute (sudden-onset) gastrointestinal problems. True allergic reactions to latex rarely progress to life-threatening conditions, such as hypotension, difficulty breathing or rapid heart rate. If you experience severe symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

A latex allergy is diagnosed in people 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. Also at risk are people who do not have signs or symptoms of latex allergy, but who 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.

Reactions may be treated by removal of the offending latex product, and by drug treatment according to the types of symptoms. If you have latex allergy, it is important for you to wear a MedicAlert ® bracelet and carry an emergency epinephrine syringe. There is no cure for latex allergy, so the best treatment for this condition is prevention.

If you have a documented latex allergy and must visit the doctor or dentist, info rm 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 for people with latex allergies. If you have to stay in the hospital, you will usually be given your own room, free of latex products.

Latex allergies may also cross over into food groups, or 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, grapes, tomato, celery, rye, wheat, hazelnut, and chestnut. Not all people who have these food allergies will also have latex allergies.