Latex Origins And Latex Products
Latex products are derived from the latex sap of commercially grown rubber trees, Hevea brasiliensis. The sap is extracted and heated while chemical preservatives, primarily ammonia, are added to enhance the rubber’s structural qualities. Latex contains low-molecular-weight soluble proteins, which are the cause of IgE-mediated allergic reactions. At least 10 different proteins have been implicated.7 Added accelerators and antioxidants may also be significant mediators of type IV or allergic contact dermatitis, and may cause or exacerbate irritant contact dermatitis.
Latex products are made either by pouring the rubber into molds or by forming a coating in a dipped process, as is done with gloves, balloons and condoms. Dipped, or very soft, rubber products appear to have the highest content of latex proteins and, therefore, have the greatest allergenic potential. Cornstarch powder is applied to latex gloves during the manufacturing process to prevent stickiness and give the gloves a smooth feel. Latex protein particles have been shown to adhere to the surface of these cornstarch particles and to aerosolize on removal of the gloves.8
Latex proteins are water soluble. Manufacturing processes including washing, chlorination and other treatments can reduce the burden of latex protein antigen. Low protein, powder-free gloves have minimal potential for sensitization in those who have not yet become sensitized to latex.
What Are Latex Allergy Symptoms
In most cases, latex allergy develops after many previous exposures to latex. Latex allergy symptoms may include hives, itching, stuffy or runny nose. It can cause asthma symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Symptoms begin within minutes after exposure to latex containing products. The most severe latex allergy can result in anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction involving severe breathing difficulty and/or fall in blood pressure .
Allergic skin problems can occur following direct contact with allergic latex proteins in latex glove products. Symptoms may include immediate itching, redness and swelling of skin that touched the item containing latex. These and other latex allergic reactions are less common now. Many hospitals or doctors offices have switched to non-latex gloves or low protein latex gloves.
A second type of skin allergy called allergic contact dermatitis may be caused by chemicals used to manufacture rubber gloves. This dermatitis is recognized by the eczema and blisters on the back of the hands. It resembles a poison ivy rash, and begins 1 to 3 days after wearing rubber gloves.
Direct physical contact with latex products is not needed to trigger an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis and severe asthmatic reactions have been caused by inhaling latex proteins in the air resulting from the powder in the latex glove.
Who Is At Risk Of Developing A Natural Rubber Latex Allergy
The likelihood of developing a natural rubber latex allergy is increased if you have an existing allergic disease or an immediate family history of one. Patients who have eczema on their hands where the protective function of the skin barrier is broken or cracked are at an increased risk of developing latex allergy and contact dermatitis. In addition, patients who undergo multiple surgical procedures are at a greater risk.
Certain jobs mean you are more likely to need to wear gloves which may contain natural rubber latex or be in contact with equipment containing natural rubber latex. These jobs include:
- Healthcare workers
- Manufacturing jobs
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Reducing The Risk Of Latex Allergy In The Future
Manufacturers have developed latex products containing less allergen and non-latex alternatives. As more of these products become available, the risk of reactions in latex sensitive people will decrease, and it is likely that fewer people will develop latex allergy. In the meantime, increased awareness of latex allergy and its risk factors should help to reduce the frequency of latex allergy.
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
For more information go to www.allergy.org.au
To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au
How Long Do Latex Allergic Reactions Last
If youre having an allergic reaction to latex such as from rubber gloves, it can be between one and three days before symptoms even appear. The rash from contact dermatitis can persist for days and even weeks in some instances. If your rash and blisters wont go away, its probably because youre continuously exposing yourself to latex. Take a few days away from rubber gloves or other sources of latex and your rash should calm down.
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Can I Prevent An Allergic Reaction To Latex
There is no way to prevent a latex allergy, but you may be able to avoid an allergic reaction. If youâre allergic to latex, you should avoid products that contain latex. Before a medical procedure or dental work, tell your providers about your allergy. Ask them to use latex-free gloves and equipment.
When ordering from a restaurant, if you have a severe latex allergy, ask the person who prepares your food to wear latex-free gloves.
Many everyday household items, medical equipment and clothing contain latex. Itâs essential to read labels carefully. You should avoid products that contain latex, including:
- Parts of clothing and shoes, such as elastic in underwear, raincoats and rain boots, and the soles of sneakers or other shoes.
- Items around the house, including rubber bands, carpet backing, and some toys and bandages.
- Personal care items like sanitary napkins, condoms and diaphragms.
- Pacifiers and nipples for baby bottles.
- Some types of makeup, face paint and masks used for costumes.
Awareness And Diagnosis Are Important First Steps
Your doctor will normally ask a series of questions that may help to identify the cause of your problem. This will often be followed by allergy testing to help confirm or exclude the presence of sensitivity to natural latex proteins or chemical preservatives. The types of tests commonly used are skin tests or blood tests for allergen specific IgE, to confirm or exclude immediate sensitivity and patch tests to confirm or exclude contact allergic dermatitis . Information on allergy testing is available on the ASCIA website.
You may be referred to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist for testing.
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Tips For Those With Latex Allergies
- People who react to latex typically develop a skin rash. This is irritating but not life-threatening.
- There is no cure for latex allergy. People with severe reactions must avoid latex.
- If you have trouble breathing when you are around latex or get a combination of symptoms, get immediate medical attention. These symptoms include hives, itching or flushing, swelling, sneezing, runny nose, cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- An allergist is the best physician to determine if you are allergic to latex.
- The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act covers people with severe allergies to substances such as latex. Talk with your employer about your options.
Allergic Reactions To Latex
The strongest allergic reactions to latex are the most dangerous because they can cause anaphylaxis swollen lips, face or tongue which can impede breathing, causing death if there is no intervention.
Those who develop a sensitivity over time may find that the contact causes itching, hives, and swelling. This reaction might occur after using a condom or blowing up a balloon.
A reaction can also occur if breathing in the latex particles, causing hayfever or asthma.
An allergic reaction may take up to 48 hours to develop. People with sensitivities to latex may also be sensitive to certain foods like banana, avocado, kiwi fruit, passionfruit, plums, strawberries and tomatoes.
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Are Mouth Ulcers Caused By Allergies
Those of us of who have suffered from regular mouth ulcers will probably be familiar with the feeling of frustration from not knowing what causes them. The clinical name for recurring mouth ulcers is aphthous stomatitis, often referred to as canker sores. Not a great deal is understood about the causes and the painful red sores in the mouth are the only detectable symptom. However, they are very common, affecting anywhere between 10% and 25% of the population.
Whilst sometimes it may be possible to trace the origin of an ulcer back to accidentally biting your cheek or lip, just as often there seems to be no apparent trigger. In such cases it is suggested that this is the result of the bodys immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells within the mouth. This has lead many of us to consider and rule out a range of possible causes such as an underlying condition, iron deficiency and even psychological factors such as stress- all of which are common causes.
How Is Latex Allergy Diagnosed
Allergy to latex may be challenging to diagnose and treat.
If you suspect you have a latex allergy, consult an allergist. Be prepared with as much medical history as possible, including where you were and what latex products you were exposed to when you experienced a reaction.
The diagnosis of latex allergy, contact dermatitis and/or irritant dermatitis is made by an allergist after completing these three parts of an evaluation:
- medical history
- various laboratory and clinical tests
Laboratory testing alone is not enough to make a diagnosis. There is a blood test available, but the results are not 100 percent accurate.
Latex-specific IgE antibodies can be identified through skin testing or by blood tests. There is no FDA-approved skin test reagent for latex allergy in the United States.
Contact dermatitis is confirmed by the use of patch testing.
Irritant dermatitis is diagnosed by the patients medical history and a physical examination.
Download:Latex Allergy Screening Questionnaire
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How Do I Know If I Have A Latex Allergy
Youll know if you have a latex allergy quite quickly after using a latex product. Symptoms such as an itchy rash can begin within a few minutes of exposure.
You may notice these symptoms for the first time after blowing up a balloon, using a condom, or having a medical procedure from a doctor or dentist wearing medical gloves.
Whats worth bearing in mind is that, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, a latex allergy tends to develop after many previous exposures to latex. In other words, you could have used latex products several times in the past without having any reaction.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Is A Common Immune Reaction To Latex
Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common immune system reaction to latex. The symptoms look similar to irritant dermatitis symptoms, but the cause is different. The rash is rough, dry and scaly, sometimes with weeping sores. It usually occurs 12-48 hours after contact with latex rubber. Contact allergic dermatitis is usually due to an inflammatory reaction to the chemicals added to rubber during manufacture. However, it may also result from contact with latex protein.
Contact allergic dermatitis is annoying but not dangerous. As with irritant dermatitis, treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of developing more serious immediate allergic reactions to latex.
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Can You Outgrow A Latex Allergy
Its unclear if you can outgrow latex allergies. Since latex allergies dont appear in patients of a certain age like some food allergies tend to manifest more in children, thered be no timeframe for which you could outgrow a latex allergy. Thats provided that outgrowing the allergy is even possible. Since latex allergies might be with you for life and theyre incurable, you really want to do all you can at home, work, and when out to avoid latex. Continue to see your allergist as well to manage your symptoms.
What Is A Skin Prick Test
This common test might be a little uncomfortable, but it isnât painful. Your provider puts a small amount of latex on your skin and scratches or pricks the skin with a needle. Scratching the skin allows a bit of latex to get under the surface.
If youâre allergic to latex, the area will become red and itchy. You may develop raised welts called wheals . The skin irritation and wheals show that your immune system is reacting. It usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes for a reaction to occur.
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How Is A Latex Allergy Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and exposure to latex. You should share information about other allergies you have, including reactions to foods. If you have a family history of allergies, tell your provider.
Your provider may order a blood test to check if youâre allergic to latex. Providers also use a skin prick test to diagnose a latex allergy.
People Who Are Affected By Latex Allergy
Health workers are most affected by the exposure of rubber gloves. That why this allergy is most common in those who work in hospitals.
According to research from the last few years, it is concluded that latex allergy rash develops mostly cause by the health worker. Because the continuous use of rubber gloves develops allergy symptoms.
- People who are related to food allergies suffer this kind of rashes.
- Health workers working in hospitals and Operation Theater also face this problem.
- People working in a beauty salon and hairdresser may develop latex allergy rash.
- Housekeepers and childcare workers also face this problem.
- People working in factories that manufacture rubber tires may have developed rubber allergy.
Final words:
Latex allergy rashes can be treated mainly by taking preventions. You can get rid of the rashes and symptoms of rashes by taking safety precautions.
Anyhow if you are facing the latex allergic rash then take medicated treatment or natural treatment. If you are suffering from a severe allergic condition then consult with a dermatologist.
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Treating An Allergy To Adhesives On Bandages
In most cases, the allergic reaction will start to go away soon after taking off the bandage. But there are things you can do to help relieve the itchiness and make the rash go away more quickly:
- Use an anti-itch cream or lotion, such as calamine lotion or a cream with at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. Many anti-itch creams are available over the counter. However, if these dont work or the rash is severe, a doctor may be able to give you a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory cream .
- Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to reduce itching. Many types of antihistamines are available over the counter.
- Keep the area moisturized.
- Avoid scratching the rash. You might be itchy, but scratching can lead to broken skin, which raises your risk for an infection. It may also spread the allergen.
- Use a cool compress on the area.
- Soak the affected body part in an oatmeal bath.
Irritant Dermatitis Is The Most Common Adverse Reaction To Latex
Most adverse reactions to latex are irritant dermatitis, which is not an immediate allergic reaction. It results in rough, dry and scaly skin, sometimes with weeping sores. It is made worse by sweating and friction under rubber gloves, but can also occur from frequent hand washing with harsh soaps.
Even though irritant dermatitis is not an allergic reaction, absorption of latex through damaged skin increases the risk of developing latex allergy with ongoing exposure. Recognition and treatment of this condition is therefore recommended to reduce the risk of developing latex allergy.
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Who Is Affected By Latex Allergy
Other than health care workers, people at increased risk for developing latex allergy include those who have:
- A deformed bladder or urinary tract
- A history of multiple surgical procedures
- Exposure to rubber-tipped catheters
- Exposure to rubber dams
- A history of allergies, asthma, or eczema
- Food allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwis, tomatoes, or chestnuts
Use Alternatives To Prevent Allergy:
You can use some alternatives of latex to prevent its allergic reaction. In studies, it is precisely clear that health workers face this problem more commonly. To prevent them from latex allergy some alternatives are available to prevent this problem.
- The blood pressure cuff is made of latex that can become the reason of latex allergy rash. So try to use natural rubber products so that people can stay away from the allergy of latex.
- Synthetic polyisoprene used in place of latex, silicone, nitriles, and polyurethane can be used in the place of rubber latex products.
- Natural rubber products are preferable in the place of rubber latex.
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Who Is At Risk For Developing Latex Allergy
People who have frequent exposure to latex from medical procedures are at greater risk for developing latex allergy. They include:
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Children with spina bifida
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Children born with defects of the urinary system
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Children or adults who have had many surgeries
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Healthcare providers
People who have allergies to certain foods may also have latex allergies. The foods include: bananas, avocados, chestnuts, kiwi, passion fruit, papaya, figs, peaches, nectarines, plums, tomatoes, and celery.
Alternatives To Traditional Bandage Adhesives
If youre allergic to traditional bandage adhesives, there are alternatives available and ways to protect yourself. You can try:
- Skin barrier film. This is a spray or wipe that forms a protective layer between your skin and the bandage. It can be easily removed with soap and water after you take off the bandage. Just remember that you cant put it on your face or directly on a wound. You can get skin barrier film at most drugstores. Buy it online.
- Hypoallergenic tape. This includes cloth surgical tape or paper tape. Buy it online.
- Gauze. Cut a piece of gauze and place it over your wound, then use an elastic tubular band to hold the gauze in place. You can get bands of different sizes and for different body parts online or in a drugstore. Buy tubular bands online.
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