Latex Allergies

Latex allergy, also known as latex hypersensitivity, occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in natural rubber latex as detrimental substances and triggers an immune response. It causes symptoms to manifest in the most affected areas of your body, from skin rashes to difficulty breathing, depending on which bodily systems are affected by the allergic reaction. Most latex allergies are caused by direct or indirect exposure to natural rubber latex proteins. If you’re allergic, your body’s immune system reacts abnormally and aggressively against the proteins, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. There is no cure for latex allergy – however, you can take steps to prevent it and manage its symptoms if it does develop.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a latex allergy range from mild to life-threatening. Mild symptoms are generally caused by a small amount of latex coming into contact with the skin and may include:

• Local itching
• Skin redness
• Hives or swelling

More-severe symptoms can occur in people who have had prolonged or repeated exposure to latex and may include:

• Respiratory difficulties
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Difficult breathing

In life-threatening reactions, anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock) can happen suddenly and require emergency medical care.

Diagnosis

To diagnose latex allergy, a doctor will perform a skin prick test. The skin is pricked with a needle that contains a small amount of latex, and the reaction is observed. The patient has an allergy if the response is red or swollen.

Prevention, Management, and Treatment

There are some treatment options for latex allergy. For prevention, you can use non-latex or natural rubber condoms or dental dams. To manage the allergy, you can use desensitization shots, a process where the allergens are injected under your skin in small amounts. For treatment, your doctor may prescribe immunotherapy pills if the allergy is caused by an allergic reaction to latex proteins in food. If it is due to allergies to rubber gloves, there are alternatives such as vinyl gloves and nitrile gloves. The severity of the allergy will determine how often you need these treatments. Other treatment options include antihistamines, bronchodilators, steroids, and cromolyn sodium (airway constrictor).

How Can We Help?

Latex allergy is a growing concern for many medical professionals. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology can help you with your latex allergy by providing care in an allergen-free environment. We also carry latex-free gloves, needles, and medications that are safe for people with latex allergies. For any queries about how we can help with your latex allergy, please do not hesitate to contact us today. To make an appointment, please call us on 850.969.2340.