What Foods To Avoid With Latex Allergy

Latex Is Used In A Large Number Of Products

Latex or natural rubber is the substance obtained from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. After the addition of preservatives and stabilisers, it is dipped into a mould, then heated and dried. During manufacturing, chemicals are added to render latex elastic and stable to heat by vulcanisation . Further chemicals are added for strength and durability, including mercaptobenzothiazole, thiurams and carbamates. Sometimes a dry powder lubricant , is added to the surface of the latex to prevent the rubber surfaces from sticking together.

Allergic reactions can occur to latex protein as well as the chemicals added to it, but not to cornstarch itself. However, when gloves are worn, latex protein can be leached from the glove and stick to the cornstarch particles. When gloves are changed, these particles can become airborne and spread latex allergen into the local environment. ;;

Many commercial products contain natural rubber latex. These include bandages, baby bottle teats, baby dummies, rubber bands, clothing elastic, rubber toys, rubber grips and a wide range of medical equipment. Allergic reactions usually occur after exposure to dipped products like gloves, balloons and condoms. Products made from crepe latex rubber , are unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

Most Common Latex Reactive Foods

According to the American Latex Allergy Association, published reports most commonly link avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, apple, carrot, celery, melons, papaya, potato and tomato to latex cross reaction. This includes not only the whole foods themselves, but any foods that use any of these fruits or vegetables as an ingredient. Read food labels carefully to avoid exposure. If consumed, these otherwise healthy foods may cause hives, stomach cramps or even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About A Latex Allergy

If you think youâre having an allergic reaction to latex, see your provider right away. If your throat is swelling or youâre having trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Donât ignore signs of an allergic reaction. A latex allergy can be fatal, and itâs essential to get help immediately.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Millions of people manage allergies by making lifestyle changes, such as reading labels carefully and avoiding certain foods. These changes arenât always easy, but they are a vital part of staying well. With the help of an allergy specialist, you can lower your risk of an allergic response. Learn to recognize signs of a reaction so you can get help right away, and let others know about your allergy so they can act fast if you need assistance.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/26/2020.

References

Don’t Miss: What Allergy Medicines Are Safe While Breastfeeding

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.

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: Can You Eat Before An Allergy Test

What Are Latex Allergies

Latex allergies involve an immune response from the body that is triggered by exposure to materials and objects that include latex. While many people work under the misconception that a latex allergy involves an allergic reaction to a chemical substance, latex allergies actually involve an allergic reaction to the natural proteins found in rubber. In a latex allergy, the body confuses the proteins in rubber with a harmful, invasive substance.

After the bodys first exposure to latex, it produces antibodies in response. The next time the body is exposed to latex, these antibodies then trigger a histamine reaction in response to fight back against the threatening substance. This process is known as sensitization and establishes the pattern of allergic response in the body.

The allergic response an individual can have to latex can range from mild to quite severe. In the most severe cases, a latex allergy can be life threatening. The majority of cases, however, involve a mild to moderate allergic response. Since even a moderate response can create discomfort and since latex is present in many modern day tools and accessories, those with latex allergies need to work with an allergist to develop a treatment plan and list of objects to avoid.

What Causes An Allergy To Latex

People may use the term latex allergy, but not all reactions to latex are due to having a true allergy to latex.

An allergic reaction is an abnormal response of the immune system to a harmless substance. People with latex allergies have over-sensitive immune systems. Their immune system reacts to latex as if it were a harmful substance.

Don’t Miss: Can You Have An Allergy To Beans

Diagnosis And Treatment Of A Latex Allergy

Finding out whether you are allergic to latex can, at times, prove to be challenging. There are many products that contain latex and it can be difficult to identify what the trigger may be. Your physician should observe your skin and ask you a few questions about your medical history and symptoms. Inform them about how your body reacts to latex and whether you have experienced any signs and/or symptoms. After ruling out other the triggers of this allergy, your doctor will be able to determine whether you have latex allergy or not. A skin test may also be conducted to see the way in which your skin reacts to latex protein. Blood tests may also be performed to confirm this ¡allergy.

Although there is no cure when it comes to treating a latex allergy, certain medicines may be used to reduce its symptoms. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction to latex is by avoiding products which contain latex. If you do happen to develop an allergic reaction and are suffering, you might need an immediate injection of adrenaline. The severity of allergic reaction can be reduced by administration of corticosteroids or antihistamines. If you take these medicines after coming into contact with latex, you will be able to control your allergic reaction and relieve future symptoms.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

How To Have Safe Sex If You Have A Latex Allergy

• People with a latex allergy should use polyurethane, polyisoprene, lambskin, or latex-free female condoms.

• Some latex-free condoms need certain lube, like polyisoprene condoms need water-based lube.

• Take care to avoid sex toys with latex and keep medication nearby just in case you have a reaction.

A latex allergy doesnt have to get in the way of you having a great time in the bedroom. You can still have an amazing sex life with a latex allergy you just have to be aware of what precautions you need to take and what products you need to use in order to have sex safely.

Do I have a latex allergy? If you experience a rash, redness, swelling, or itching around your genitals shortly after using a standard, latex condom, then you may have a latex allergy. The allergic reaction should subside after several days to weeks.

Heres what you need to know about latex-free condoms and having safe sex with a latex allergy.

Also Check: Why Do People Have Food Allergies

What Are Foods To Avoid With A Latex Allergy

Embed infographic for latex-cross reactive foods

The foods shown below are grouped based on high, moderate or low/undetermined association to latex cross-reactions. It is likely that other foods not listed here may also be cross-reactive with latex. Remember that each person reacts differently to allergens.

Low or undetermined cross-reactivity with latex

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?

Read Also: Why Do Your Eyes Itch With Allergies

Products And Food To Avoid If You Are Allergic To Latex

Balloons, elastic bands, raincoats, and hot water bottles are some of the products that contain latex. So, if you are allergic to latex, physical contact with these products has to be avoided. This HealthHearty article elaborates more on the foods and products that may trigger latex allergy symptoms.

Balloons, elastic bands, raincoats, and hot water bottles are some of the products that contain latex. So, if you are allergic to latex, physical contact with these products has to be avoided. This HealthHearty article elaborates more on the foods and products that may trigger latex allergy symptoms.

Did You Know?

One of the best ways to avoid contact with latex products is to wear vinyl gloves whenever handling such items.

The term latex refers to the milky fluid that circulates in the vascular system of rubber trees. This milky fluid is commonly used to make natural rubber products. It is observed that people who are allergic to latex cannot use any product manufactured from the milky fluid that is obtained from the rubber tree.

The proteins present in natural rubber latex are allergenic components that can trigger an abnormal immune response. So, simply by touching a product containing latex, the person may suffer from allergy symptoms such as itching or swelling of the exposed area of the skin.

Products to Avoid

• Balloons
• Mattresses
• Rubber soles

Foods to Avoid

• Tomatoes
• Plum
• Pineapple

Like it? Share it!

Tips To Avoid Latex Allergy

• While washing dishes, cleaning and doing other household chores at home, wear non-latex gloves only.
• Make sure the clothes you wear do not contain any rubber soles or elastic waistbands. In addition, check that your swimsuits and socks are latex-free.
• Dont wear rubber rain boots and rain coats.
• Keep your bathroom clean from any rubber bath mats, toothbrushes with rubber grips.
• At work or at school, dont use erasers, use paper clips in place of rubber bands.
• Dont use craft items that contain latex, such as rubber cement and paint.
• If you need to wear gloves at work, such as at beauty parlors, restaurants, cleaning companies etc, switch to gloves made from a non-latex material.
• While visiting a hospital, clinic or medical office, call before your appointment and inform them about your latex allergy. Try to get the first appointment in the morning, as there are chances of having minimum latex particles in the air at that time. All the nurses, doctors and attendants should be aware of your allergy, so that they can arrange non-latex: IV tubing, stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.
• Check labels of everything without assuming that everything labeled as hypoallergenic is free from latex.
• Use latex-free condoms.
• Some people with latex allergies can develop reactions to certain food products, such as: bananas, apples, avocados, carrots, melons, papayas, tomatoes, celery, raw potatoes, kiwis and . So, beware while consuming these products.

You May Like: What Are The Symptoms Of A Dairy Allergy In Adults

+ Latex Allergy Foods To Avoid Ideas

We have various pictures about Latex allergy foods to avoid in this article. You can find and download any images about Latex allergy foods to avoid here. We hope you enjoy explore our website.

Currently you are reading a post about latex allergy foods to avoid images. We give some images and information connected to latex allergy foods to avoid. We always try our best to publish a post with quality images and informative articles. If you cannot find any articles or photos you are looking for, you can use our search feature to browse our other post.

Latex Allergy Foods To Avoid. This list is just informational and should not be used as a strict guideline of foods to avoid completely. An allergy to these foods may make a child more likely to develop a latex allergy. High degree of association avocados; When a person with a latex allergy eats food with these proteins, they may have an allergic reaction.

How Common Are Latex Allergies

Latex allergies are rare. Less than 1% of people in the United States are allergic to latex. Latex allergies have decreased in recent years because more hospitals now use latex-free and powder-free gloves.

Anyone can develop a latex allergy, but some people have a higher risk of developing the condition. Risk factors for latex allergy include:

• Repeated exposure to latex: Frequent contact with latex can cause your body to overreact and develop an allergic reaction. People who regularly wear latex gloves are more likely to develop an allergy to latex. Healthcare providers, dentists and people who work in the beauty industry have a higher risk.
• Frequent surgical procedures: Children and adults who have had several surgeries have an increased risk of developing a latex allergy. Children with are especially likely to have a latex allergy because treatment for the condition includes multiple medical procedures and surgeries at a young age. Medical supplies for these procedures often contain latex.
• History of allergies: Other allergies, including allergic rhinitis , often occur along with a latex allergy. People who are allergic to latex may be allergic to certain foods, including bananas, kiwis, avocados and chestnuts. The connection between latex allergies and food allergies is called latex-food syndrome.

Recommended Reading: Do Allergies Disqualify You From Military Service

What Are The Types Of Latex Allergy

There are two types of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. The types of latex reactions are:

• IgE-mediated latex allergy : A person with type I latex allergy is allergic to a protein from the natural rubber tree. Exposure to latex causes the immune system to make IgE antibodies. These antibodies cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. IgE-mediated latex allergies can be life-threatening.
• Cell-mediated contact dermatitis : This allergy causes skin irritation and inflammation . Blisters may form on the skin, and they may ooze liquid. Cell-mediated contact dermatitis is not life-threatening, but may be very bothersome and in some cases progress to also involve IgE-mediated latex allergy.

What Are Latex Cross

Many foods have similar proteins to latex even if they dont contain actual latex. When a person with a latex allergy eats food with these proteins, they may have an allergic reaction. The foods are called latex cross-reactive foods.

Prevention is the key with cross-reactive foods. Once a food is identified as a latex cross-reactive food, the individual with latex allergy should avoid exposure to that food.

You May Like: Can Hair Be Tested For Allergies

Can Latex Allergies Be Prevented

The best way to prevent a latex allergy is to limit exposure to latex. Many people cant avoid exposure to latex, given its prevalence in the modern world, including healthcare workers who regularly work around latex gloves. Which step helps prevent a latex glove allergy? The use of non-latex gloves. If non-latex gloves are not available, avoid the use of oil-based lotions on the hands since these lotions can break down the gloves. Also wash hands immediately after removing the gloves.

When To Seek Emergency Care

Know;the signs of shock.

Anaphylactic shock;is a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction. If your child develops signs of shock, use the epinephrine right away. Then, call 911 for emergency help. The signs of anaphylactic shock include the following:

• Swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue

• Wheezing, coughing, inability to breathe

• Facial flushing

• Feeling faint; loss of consciousness

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Spring Allergies

Measures Should Be Taken If Your Job Involves Exposure To Latex

If you are latex allergic and your job involves frequent exposure to latex, you should:;

• Use latex free gloves.
• Request that non-powdered latex gloves be supplied to others in your area of work. This reduces airborne latex particle exposure, and has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of developing latex allergy in occupational settings.
• Look after your hands and have any irritation or rash evaluated by a doctor. An intact skin barrier reduces the risk of developing latex allergy.
• It is important to note that avoiding any contact with latex is also an effective method of preventing latex allergy, particularly for non-medical use such as food handlers and hairdressers.

What Do You Do If You Have A Latex Allergy

• Wear Medical Identification
• Carry with you at all times:~ Medications, as prescribed by your allergist ~ Non-latex gloves

• ~ Hidden latex on food prepared with latex gloves Lactiferous plants that may have cross-reactive proteins ~ Foods with cross-reactive proteins to natural rubber
• Carry a list of medications prescribed by your allergist

Read Also: How To Cure Skin Allergy At Home