Latex Allergy

Latex is a milky fluid that comes from the tropical rubber tree. Hundreds of everyday products contain latex. Repeated exposure to a protein in natural latex can make you more likely to develop a latex allergy. If your immune system detects the protein, a reaction can start in minutes. You could get a rash or asthma. In rare cases you could have a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

Your doctor may use a physical exam and skin and blood tests to diagnose it. There are medicines to treat a reaction, but it is best to try to avoid latex. Common latex products include

Gloves
Condoms
Balloons
Rubber bands
Shoe soles
Pacifiers

You can find latex-free versions of these products.

Symptoms of Latex Allergy

The following features are indicative of Latex Allergy:

itching
skin redness
hives or rash
sneezing
runny nose
itchy or watery eyes
scratchy throat
difficulty breathing
wheezing
cough

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Common Causes of Latex Allergy

The following are the most common causes of Latex Allergy:

touching latex-containing products such as latex gloves, condoms and balloons
inhaling latex particles released by latex products especially gloves

Risk Factors for Latex Allergy

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Latex Allergy:

children with spina bifida
industrial rubber workers
health care providers
people with multiple surgical procedures

Prevention of Latex Allergy

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Latex Allergy. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:

avoid contact with latex products including gloves
avoid areas where the risk of inhalation is high
wear a medical alert bracelet

Occurrence of Latex Allergy

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Latex Allergy cases seen each year worldwide:

Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Latex Allergy can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Latex Allergy can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Latex Allergy

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Latex Allergy:

Physical examination: To check for sensitivity to latex
Skin test: To check allergic reactions by applying latex on the skin
Blood test: To test for sensitivity to latex

Doctor for Diagnosis of Latex Allergy

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Latex Allergy:

Allergist

Complications of Latex Allergy if untreated

Yes, Latex Allergy causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Latex Allergy is left untreated:

more serious systemic allergic reaction

Procedures for Treatment of Latex Allergy

The following procedures are used to treat Latex Allergy:

no known procedures

Medicines for Latex Allergy

Below is the list of medicines used for Latex Allergy:

Self-care for Latex Allergy

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Latex Allergy:

Use non-latex gloves for activities
Practice good housekeeping: Clean areas contaminated with latex-containing dust

Patient Support for Treatment of Latex Allergy

The following actions may help Latex Allergy patients:

Education: Learn how to recognize and maintain the symptoms of latex allergy

Time for Treatment of Latex Allergy

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Latex Allergy to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: