What Does A Latex Allergy Look Like

Who Can Become Allergic To Latex

Anyone can become allergic to latex, but some people are at higher risk. These include:

• People with spina bifida or myelomeningocele
• Those who have other allergies .
• Those who have had frequent exposure to latex.
• Health care workers

The cause of a latex allergy is not known. Some experts believe latex allergies occur more often in patients with spina bifida because they have frequent contact with latex products. Children with spina bifida have many surgeries, diagnostic tests, and bowel and bladder programs that involve using latex products.

How Do You Prevent A Latex Allergy Reaction

Treatment for a latex allergy involves avoidance of the source of latex that causes the reaction.

In the case of IgE-mediated allergy, personal contact with rubber products should be stopped and a change of environment may be necessary if there is airborne exposure causing asthma or occupational asthma.

This is most prominent in settings that use cornstarch powdered latex gloves. Cornstarch powder serves as a carrier for allergenic proteins from latex. It may become airborne when the product is used. These protein particles can easily become airborne and people with latex allergy may experience a reaction if the powder is inhaled or comes in contact with the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose or skin.

Some latex products are more allergenic than others. Latex products most likely to cause a reaction are those made by a dipping method . However, molded, vulcanized rubber products also maintain latex allergen proteins.

COVID-19 Info Center –>

Is Latex Allergy Preventable

Latex allergy is preventable but not curable. Awareness and education are the keys to managing the condition.

The only way for people with latex allergy to prevent symptoms is strict avoidance of latex. Allergy & Asthma Network supports policies where latex gloves are prohibited from use in healthcare and dental facilities, schools, food establishments, and by emergency responders. Many facilities have responded by switching to latex-safe gloves and medical products and supplies.

You May Like: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec

What To Do In An Emergency

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Latex Allergy

You may have symptoms only where latex has touched you. You may have more severe symptoms that include areas of your body not exposed to latex. Any of the following may develop from minutes up to 48 hours after exposure to latex:

• Itching or burning skin
• Bumps, sores, blisters, or a skin rash
• Cracking, peeling, or flaking skin
• Tingling in your mouth
• Facial swelling, especially around your eyes
• Dizziness or fast heart rate
• Chest or throat tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Read Also: Comparison Of Allergy Medications

Patients With Latex Sensitivity

The following guidelines are summarised FDA advice to health professionals to ensure a patient’s latex allergy is not overlooked:

Is There A Connection Between Latex Allergy And Foods

Some rubber proteins are similar to food proteins. Therefore, some foods may also cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to latex. The most common of these foods are banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi fruit, and passion fruit. Although many other foods can cause an allergic reaction, avoiding all of them might cause nutrition problems. Therefore, its recommended that you avoid only the foods that have already given you an allergic reaction.

Recommended Reading: Are M& ms Safe For Peanut Allergies

How Do You Treat A Latex Allergy Reaction

Latex allergy treatment depends on the type of reaction that is present a mild sensitivity or a life-threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis.

• Anaphylaxis: Epinephrine, a medication given by injection that works quickly to raise blood pressure and reduce swelling in the body, is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions. Its available in an easy-to-use epinephrine auto-injector a prefilled syringe with a retractable needle. Epinephrine should be administered without delay when symptoms appear.
• Mild Sensitivity: If a mild sensitivity is present and there is only a local reaction the skin is itchy and red at the site where latex was touched your doctor may suggest using an antihistamine or using 1% hydrocortisone cream.

NOTE: Treatments mentioned here are for informational purposes only. If you have a latex allergy and require treatment, you should see a board-certified allergist to determine the best treatment for you.

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

Also Check: What’s Better For Allergies Claritin Or Zyrtec

How Do You Know If Your Child Is Allergic To Latex

If your child is allergic to latex, something as simple as going to a birthday party with latex balloons can trigger a deadly allergic reaction. Knowing what products and foods contain latex can save your childs life. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the effects of a latex allergy and how to treat a reaction if it happens.

How Long Does It Take For A Latex Reaction To Go Away

latextakereactionlatex

What are signs of an allergic response 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.

What do you do for an allergic reaction to latex?latex

Contents

• 11 Can you have an allergic reaction to condoms?

You May Like: Claratim

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• Latex is a rubber product. Am I at risk for other rubber allergies?
• What products contain latex? How do I avoid these?
• How do I make sure that all members of my health care team know about my latex allergy?
• How do I know if my allergic reactions are getting worse?
• Could I be at risk for anaphylaxis? Do I need to carry epinephrine?
• Do I need a medical alert bracelet? Where do I get one?
• Im sexually active. Whats a good alternative to latex condoms?

Who Is At Risk For Developing A Latex Allergy

Repeated exposure to latex is necessary for an allergy to develop. Health care workers exposed to latex products , people who require frequent surgery or catheter use, and workers in the manufacturing or distribution of latex products are at the highest risk for latex allergy. For unknown reasons, people who have surgeries of the spine or urinary tract have a much higher risk of latex allergy.

There is also an association of unique food allergy among people allergic to latex, known as the fruit latex syndrome. People allergic to latex are frequently allergic to various fruits, particularly avocado, banana, chestnut, and kiwi.

Also Check: Is Zyrtec An Antihistamine Or Decongestant

People At Increased Risk Of Latex Allergy

Certain people are at increased risk of developing latex allergy including:

• health care workers who are frequently exposed to latex through medical equipment like gloves
• people who have had many operations, particularly from a young age, such as those with spina bifida
• people who work in latex manufacture
• people with pre-existing allergies, such as hay fever, asthma and eczema
• people with allergies to particular foods, including avocado and banana.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Latex Allergy

If you think you may be allergic to latex, see a doctor familiar with the condition. To diagnose latex allergy, the doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. If they suspect latex allergy, they may order a blood test. The blood test involves looking for latex antibodies in a blood sample. Your doctor compares your test results with your history and physical exam to make a diagnosis of latex allergy.

Don’t Miss: What’s Better For Allergies Claritin Or Zyrtec

Allergic Reaction Rashes On Skin

This rings especially true for those who have a history of eczema or skin allergies, explains Zeichner, who adds that overdoing it on detergent is another factor that can lead to an adverse reaction.Dermatitis is the medical term for skin inflammation . Contact dermatitis is an allergic or irritant reaction that causes a painful or itchy skin rash. As the name suggests, you get contact dermatitis from coming into contact with an allergen or an irritant . How common is contact dermatitis?Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to venom, food, or medication. Most cases are caused by a bee sting or eating foods that are.

How Long Do Latex Allergy Symptoms Last

Contact dermatitis from latex can take several days to appear and is characterized by an itchy, scaly rash with small blisters if the reaction is severe. The rash usually lasts several days to weeks, but it can last longer if latex exposure continues.

You May Like: What Is In Mucinex Allergy

What To Do About It

And if the problem persists, youll have to stop by your gynecologists office. The only way to truly rule out either a stubborn yeast infection or a latex allergy is to test for it. Youll need to see a specialist in vulvovaginal disorders or an allergist to get to the bottom of the situation, once your doctor has ruled out other causes, Shepherd says. If it turns out that latex is the culprit, you have a few options .

Polyurethane condoms are thinner but stronger than latex, and they transfer heat more efficiently, which may enhance sensation, Shephard says. And there are newer polyisoprene condoms, which are a more flexible option that many find to be a comfortable fit .

What Is The Treatment For A Latex Allergy

There is no cure for a latex allergy, but you can take steps to prevent your child from exposure to latex.

• Alert others to your childs latex allergy. Have your child wear a medical identification bracelet telling others that he or she has a latex allergy. This lets healthcare providers know that they need to avoid using latex when they care for your child. Contact your childs healthcare providers including the dentist and school or daycare nurse. Have them note in your childs file that your child has a latex allergy.

• Carry an allergy kit. The kit should include:

• Injectable epinephrine, which can stop an allergic reaction. Your childs healthcare provider will give you a prescription for it.

• Non-latex surgical gloves, which you can wear or give to others to wear if they must care for your child.

• A note from your childs healthcare provider stating that your child has a latex allergy.

• A complete list of medicines your child takes.

You May Like: Cetirizine And Hydrochloride

How To Get Rid Of Latex Allergy Rash 10 Proven Method

If you are allergic to what touches your face, you can develop allergic contact dermatitis. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include poison ivy, fragrances, and latex. How to get rid of the redness: This rash tends to clear on its own when you stop exposing your skin to whatever is causing the reaction What is a latex allergy and photos of latex allergy skin condition Latex allergy symptoms and signs. Different symptoms appear with different types of latex allergies. One type causes a rash on the skin another can cause anaphylaxis, which can result in a swelling of the airways and difficulty breathing. Causes of latex allergy Food allergy. If a food allergy is the cause then the rash is likely to return each time you eat the particular food. This is more often a nuisance than serious. Severe allergies. People who have a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, insect stings, etc, often have an urticarial rash as one of the symptoms The rash may be harder to see on darker skin so check for spots on the paler areas, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or the abdomen. How to treat it If meningitis is suspected then the child must go immediately to an Accident and Emergency Department

What Should I Do If I Have Latex Allergy

If you have an IgE-mediated latex allergy, work with your doctor to learn how to recognize anaphylaxis and how to treat it.

Prevent Allergic Reactions to Latex:

• Avoid latex. The only treatment for latex allergy is to prevent any contact with latex products.
• Get a letter about your latex allergy from your doctor.
• Ask co-workers to wear only non-latex gloves.
• Ask doctors, dentists and others health care workers to use latex-free gloves.
• Check labels to make sure products do not contain latex. Do not assume hypoallergenic products are latex-free.

Prepare for Anaphylaxis Due to Latex:

• Have a written anaphylaxis action plan. Your doctor will give you this step-by-step plan on what to do in an emergency.
• Learn how to self-inject epinephrine . It is the medicine of choice to treat an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is safe and comes in an easy-to-use device called an auto-injector. It injects a single dose of medicine when you press it against your outer thigh. Your doctor will show you how to use it. Epinephrine can save your life if you have a severe reaction. After using an epinephrine auto-injector, you must immediately call 911 and seek medical care.
• Always have two epinephrine auto-injectors near you at all times.
• Teach people who spend time with you how to use the auto-injector device.
• Wear medical alert identification or jewelry to tell others of latex allergy in an emergency.

You May Like: Keflex Rash Treatment

Hypersensitivity Immune System Response

This response is an actual latex allergy. It occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex.

The symptoms of true latex allergy or hypersensitivity usually occur immediately or within one hour following cutaneous, mucous membrane, parenteral, or airborne exposure to latex in sensitized individuals. Reactions can also occur as long as eight hours after exposure. The symptoms vary widely and mild episodes may involve skin flushing, itching, or tingling with hives that have blanched or white centers. Skin at the site of contact with latex appears swollen and tight. Other reactions might include symptoms similar to hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and more severe asthma-like symptoms .

Individuals genetically capable of developing a latex allergy may not have symptoms when they first come in contact with latex. The body must reach a certain level of sensitivity before symptoms appear. The length of time until that level is achieved depends upon the individuals genetic make-up, the amount of allergen released from the product, the tissue in contact with the allergen , and the frequency and total number of exposures.

What Steps Do I Need To Take For Signs Or Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis

• Immediately give 1 shot of epinephrine only into the outer thigh muscle.
• Leave the shot in place as directed. Your healthcare provider may recommend you leave it in place for up to 10 seconds before you remove it. This helps make sure all of the epinephrine is delivered.
• even if the shot improved symptoms. Do not drive yourself. Bring the used epinephrine shot with you.

You May Like: What’s Better For Allergies Claritin Or Zyrtec

The Top 3 Latex Reactions To Watch Out For

• Latex Gloves
• The Top 3 Latex Reactions to Watch Out for

Most people are aware that latex gloves can cause allergies, but did you know that people can actually have three kinds of reactions to latex gloves one of which isnt even an allergic reaction at all?

In todays post, were going to break down these three kinds of reactions and explore different ways to prevent them.

Lets dive right in!

What Does Sepsis Rash Look Like

What does a sepsis rash look like? Some patients who have sepsis develop a rash on their skin. The rash may be a reddish discoloration or.What does a sepsis rash look like? People with sepsis often develop a hemorrhagic rash. This may be a reddish discolouration, or a cluster of.People with sepsis often develop a hemorrhagic rash. This may be a reddish discolouration, or a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pinpricks in the skin. If untreated, these dark dots gradually get bigger and begin to look like fresh bruises.

You May Like: Can You Take Allergy Medicine With Antibiotics

Also Check: Can Allergies Cause Shortness Of Breath And Chest Tightness