When Alex was in dental hygiene school, she suddenly developed allergy symptoms—sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives on her hands. She couldn’t think of any new exposures that would cause her symptoms, except for the school environment. After visiting her doctor, she was surprised to learn that the latex gloves she had been wearing in school were causing her symptoms. Alex was diagnosed with a latex allergy.
Natural rubber latex is manufactured from a milky fluid in the tropical rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Many products we use at home, work, and school contain latex, including:
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, latex allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to proteins found in the natural rubber latex. People with latex allergy are most apt to react to products made of thin, stretchy latex, such as that found in disposable gloves, condoms, and balloons, which are high in these proteins. Products made of hard rubber (eg, tires) don’t seem to cause as many allergic reactions. Items made using synthetic latex (eg, latex paint) do not trigger allergy.
Powdered latex gloves may exacerbate allergic reactions because the proteins in latex fasten to the powder. When powdered gloves are removed, latex protein/powder particles get into the air, where they can be inhaled and come into contact with body membranes.
Three types of reactions can occur in people using latex products: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and latex allergy.
Irritant contact dermatitis is the development of dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, usually the hands. The irritation is caused by using gloves, and possibly by contact with other products and chemicals. Irritant contact dermatitis is not a true allergy.
Allergic contact dermatitis (also known as delayed hypersensitivity or chemical sensitivity dermatitis) is a rash similar to poison ivy, which results from exposure to chemicals added to latex during harvesting, processing, or manufacturing. The rash usually begins 24-48 hours after contact.
Latex allergy (also known as immediate hypersensitivity) is a more serious reaction to latex than irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis.
Mild allergic reactions can include the following symptoms:
More severe allergic reactions involve respiratory symptoms such as:
A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, which includes difficulty breathing, and dangerously low blood pressure called anaphylaxis . Although rare, a life-threatening reaction can be the first sign of latex allergy.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, anyone can develop an allergy to latex. Those with the highest risk include:
If you think you have a latex allergy, see your doctor. A diagnosis can usually be made based on your medical history, a physical examination, and blood tests. Skin testing and glove-use tests should be done only at medical centers where staff are prepared to handle severe reactions.
There is no cure for latex allergy. However, if you have a reaction to latex, your symptoms may be treated with antihistamines, steroids, epinephrine shots, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, or other measures, depending on the severity of the reaction.
The following tips can help reduce your risk of an allergic reaction to latex:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh.
Spina Bifida Association of America website. Available at: http://www.sbaa.org/.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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