Latex Allergies | Main Symptoms And Things To Avoid

Latex allergies are characterized as an allergic reaction to a protein that is contained in the rubber that makes up the products. The exact amount of contact that it requires to cause a reaction varies from person to person, but an increase in the exposure to this protein also increases the likelihood of symptoms showing up. The early signs of an impending latex allergy reaction can start within minutes of the exposure and can include rashes, skin redness, itchiness, and a runny nose. You can also experience more serious symptoms like tightness in your chest, difficulty breathing, or shock. Serious reactions like this require immediate medical attention.

The people who are most at risk of developing latex allergies are those people in the healthcare or rubber industries, as they come into contact with latex on a daily basis. Those workers who have hay fever are also at an increased risk of developing an allergy (up to 25 percent greater). However, anybody can have an allergic reaction because rubber products are virtually everywhere in today's society. Some of the more common items are gloves, a condom, a balloon, a rubber band, diapers, or even a baby pacifier. And believe it or not there is also a link between some food allergies and latex allergies. Some people who are allergic to a protein in latex are also allergic to such foods as bananas, papaya, avocados, and other similar fruits. The exact cause of this correlation is not known, but several studies and articles have shown it to exist.

There Are Currently Three Types Of Latex Allergic Reactions

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis
  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis
  • Immediate Allergic Reaction

Irritant contact dermatitis is the least serious latex allergy reaction, and is actually categorized as a non-allergenic skin reaction. It typically is the result of repeated exposure with certain chemicals in latex that results in some of the more minor symptoms like itching, dryness, and redness of the skin.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction to some of the chemicals used during latex processing and has similar symptoms to irritant contact dermititis. The main differences is the reaction is more pronounced and it can spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms will typically persist longer as well.

Immediate allergic reaction or latex hypersensitivity is a much more serious condition. Some of the signs of it are hay fever like symptoms, hives, cramps, and uncontrollable itching. Latex hypersensitivity should be treated by a doctor immediately as your condition can worsen until you experience a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, or in the worst case death.

The main thing to do if you know you have latex allergies is to avoid contact with latex if at all possible. Take extra precautions to find out which specific items you come into contact on a daily basis contain latex, then look for alternate items to replace them. There is latex free rubber like neoprene and nitrile that are available today as alternatives. Be aware that there are also products labeled as "safe latex" that can still cause a reaction in those with allergies. These products do contain a lower amount of latex, but there is a chance they are not safe for your use.

If you have ever had even the slightest reaction to any of the typical latex items you should be tested by your doctor or allergy specialist. If the test comes back positive make sure to follow your doctor's advice on how to avoid latex in the future. Look for alternate products to use on a daily basis. If you have an allergic reaction it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a major one, but remember that the symptoms can rapidly worsen. There are many advancements in medicine each year so it is also important to keep up by reading current articles and paying attention to studies that are done.