Latex Allergy
Latex allergy can be defined as the allergic reaction the body produces when it comes in contact with some kinds of proteins found on natural rubber latex that is usually obtained from a tree. Read More
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Latex Allergy
Types of Latex Allergy
The types of latex allergy include:- IgE Mediated Allergic Reactions Type 1
- Cell-Mediated Contact Dermatitis Type IV
- Irritant contact dermatitis
Diagnosis
It is challenging to diagnose latex allergy, as most symptoms are similar to those of other allergic disorders. However, the most common tests performed for diagnoses are:- Physical Examination
- Skin Prick Test
- Blood Test
- A patch test is also done.
Complications of Latex Allergy
Some complications of latex allergy include developing some skin reactions such as irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, also called delayed hypersensitivity, and in extreme cases, asthma or anaphylaxis.Treatment of Latex Allergy
The treatment of latex allergy can be done through:- Reduce and avoid contact with latex products.
- The use of medications to reduce symptoms such as antihistamines or corticosteroids
- Ointments for local application such as calamine and 1% hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation.
- Use of epinephrine pens.
Prevention of Latex Allergy
The following precautions can prevent latex allergy:- Avoiding or reducing specific products such as dishwashing gloves, latex carpets, balloons, rubber toys, etc.
- Regulating your product use such as racket handles, motorcycle and bicycle handgrips, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscope, intravenous tubing, surgical masks, dental dams, etc.
- Wear a bracelet that shows you have an allergic reaction to latex if you do, in case of emergency, so the health care providers can be aware since most medical tools are made up of latex.
- Use nonlatex gloves.
- Try using vinyl nitrile, prepolymer gloves instead of latex gloves.
- Enlightenment people about latex allergies, especially those whose occupation frequently expires them to latex, especially those who expire.
- Reduce your use of oil-based creams or lotions when using latex gloves as they may cause the gloves to break down.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid areas where latex will likely be inhaled.
Symptoms
People who are allergic to latex may have the following symptoms produce when they touch or inhale natural latex. These symptoms could be mild or severe, although this depends on how sensitive you are to latex.
Mild symptoms include:
- Itching
- Skin redness
- Rashes or hives
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
More severe symptoms include:
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis; which is a severe clinical condition that affects the functioning of other systems of the body. It is quite deadly. It happens with people who are highly allergic to latex but rarely occurs during a one-time exposure.
It is characterized by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Wheezing
- Decrease in blood pressure.
- Dizziness and confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid or weak pulse.
Causes
Latex allergy is caused by the reaction your immune system produces which triggers the production of certain antibodies that produced allergic responses within your system whenever you come in contact with natural latex.
In latex allergy, the proteins found on the naturally occurring rubber are recognized by the body immune system as been dangerous, leading to the production of histamine, and certain chemicals, these chemicals produced to trigger the symptoms of the allergic attack. One can come in contact with latex through:
- Direct Contact
This occurs when you come into direct contact with products of latex directly. For example using latex gloves, condoms, balloons, etc. Here, there is direct contact of your skin with the latex protein. They are the most common cause of latex allergy. Some skin reactions that may result from direct latex contact include:
This can be caused by the chemical additives used during the production of the latex product. It is characterized by a skin rash with the formation of blisters 24 to 48 hours after exposure.
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This is characterized by dry itchy irritated areas caused by exposure to the powders inside the rubber gloves.
- Inhaling Latex Particles
Some latex products especially gloves could release latex particles or proteins which when you breathe in could result in an allergic reaction.
FAQ
- How long before a latex allergy goes away?
Treatment of the symptoms usually takes several days to weeks to clear, depending on the frequency of exposure to the latex protein.
- What product contains latex?
Products made from latex include balloons, condoms, rubber bands, bandages, latex gloves, catheters, etc.
- How do you calm a latex allergic attack?
You can calm latex allergic attacks by taking antihistamine medication by using a soothing lotion cream while seeking medical interventions.
- Can you suddenly develop a latex allergy?
It is possible to develop a latex allergy if you are predisposed to the risk factors of latex allergy. These risk factors include frequent exposure to allergens, frequent use of latex products, people with a family and personal history of allergies, people with spina bifida, etc.
- Does elastic contain latex?
Some elastics may contain latex mainly used in underwear clothing, suspenders, belts, elastic bands, etc.
References:
- Burkhart C, Schloemer J, Zirwas M. Differentiation of latex allergy from irritant contact dermatitis. Cutis. 2015 Dec;96(6):369-71, 401. [PubMed].