| Latex Allergy
Normally, the immune system guards the body against foreign invaders. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins. Sometimes, however, the immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless substance called an allergen. This is called an allergy.
Latex allergies can involve a reaction to two types of substances:
- The chemicals used in making latex products
- Proteins in the latex itself
When the immune system detects the allergen, it makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This triggers the release of chemicals in the body. One of these chemicals is called histamine. It is one cause of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:
- Redness, itching and swelling
- Hives and rashes
- Runny nose
- Watery, swollen eyes
- In more serious cases, breathing problems and anaphylaxis (a type of shock)
Latex is a flexible, stretchy and inexpensive material. It forms an effective barrier against germs. For this reason, it long has been used to make hospital, dental and medical items. These include:
- Surgical and examination gloves
- Anesthetic tubing
- Ventilation bags
- Respiratory tubing
- Dental dams
- Intravenous (IV) lines
Latex also is used in countless consumer products. For example:
- Balloons
- Condoms
- Diaphragms
- Rubber gloves
- Tennis-shoe soles
- Nipples for baby bottles and pacifiers
- Toys
- Rubber hoses
- Tires
There are two types of latex allergies. The first is a reaction to a chemical used in manufacturing, not the latex itself. This type of allergy is seen most often in people who wear latex gloves at work. The second type of reaction has been recognized only since the late 1970s. It is an allergy to the plant proteins in the latex.
As the use of latex products increases, so does the number of people who have latex allergies. Since the AIDS epidemic, health care delivery includes even more precautions. Today, anyone who might come into contact with body fluids wears protective gloves. As a result, health care workers are at increased risk of becoming sensitive to latex products.
People who have many surgeries also have a higher risk of latex allergies. One example is a child with spina bifida. This is a birth defect in which bones around the spinal cord don't form properly. A child with spina bifida is exposed often to latex products during medical and surgical procedures. About half of children with spina bifida develop a latex allergy.
Direct contact with natural rubber products can lead to sensitivity. This can occur when health care workers inhale latex particles. Many medical gloves are coated with cornstarch to make them easier to pull on and off. Cornstarch absorbs the latex proteins. Then it carries them into the air, where they can be inhaled.
Most allergic reactions to latex involve annoying symptoms such as itchy rashes and redness. However, latex allergies should be taken seriously. More serious reactions can occur when exposure levels are high. They can result in severe asthma and even anaphylaxis.
As with any type of allergy, the first exposure to latex allergens usually doesn't cause a reaction. However, it can make the immune system sensitive to the allergen. This can cause symptoms after later exposures.
A reaction to the chemical additives in latex typically occurs one to two days after exposure. It usually involves a form of contact dermatitis. This is a rash that resembles poison ivy. The skin typically is red, cracked and blistered.
If you're sensitive to latex proteins, symptoms usually are more serious. They tend to occur within minutes of the exposure. These symptoms include:
- Hives
- Runny nose
- Allergic asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
In rare instances, allergy to latex proteins can cause anaphylaxis. This severe allergic reaction can include:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Increase in pulse
- Swelling
- Difficulty with breathing
Anaphylaxis requires immediate and proper treatment. Otherwise, it can lead to unconsciousness and, in rare cases, death.
If you have had symptoms after exposure to latex, your physician or dentist may suspect that you have a latex allergy. People with other allergies or allergic conditions may be more likely to develop a latex allergy. They include:
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Allergies to certain foods
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Kiwi fruit
- Pineapples
- Tomatoes
- Chestnuts
A detailed medical history can help to show if you have a sensitivity to latex. You also will receive a blood test called RAST. This test measures the amount of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. Skin testing for latex allergy also can be done. In some cases, your physician will do challenge tests with latex products. In a challenge test, you stay away from the suspected allergen for a period of time. Then you are exposed to it to see if you develop symptoms. These tests can help to confirm the diagnosis.
The best way to prevent any type of allergy is to avoid exposure. For example:
- Use non-latex gloves for dishwashing or other chores.
- Don't blow up balloons.
- Avoid rubber bands.
- Use non-latex condoms.
- Ask your health care professionals not to expose you to products that contain latex.
If you work in the health care field, it can be tricky to avoid latex. However, you may be able to use fewer latex products and find some that are less irritating.
For example, gloves do not all shed the same amount of allergens. Different types of gloves vary widely. Some also contain less of the chemicals that can cause skin sensitivity. Many manufacturers have been sued over latex reactions. The success of these suits has prompted some to change the way they make latex products.
Latex gloves that are powdered with cornstarch appear to cause the most problems. Using gloves without powder may help to prevent reactions.
The most important treatment for job-related latex allergies is to avoid repeat exposures. These can increase sensitivity. You may need to ask for different duties or even consider a change of occupations.
Once you have a reaction to latex, treatment depends on the type of reaction and how severe it is. An antihistamine can block the actions of histamine, which causes itching and swelling. Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that fight inflammation. They are used for more severe symptoms. Medicines are given in tablets, inhalers or creams applied to the skin.
Be aware that corticosteroid drugs can cause serious side effects when used in high dosages or for a long time. Your physician will weigh the benefits against the risks of side effects. If you need corticosteroids, they should be prescribed in the lowest effective dosage.
Anaphylaxis is the most serious allergic reaction. It can cause blood vessels to dilate (widen) and air passages of the lungs to narrow. This may lead to wheezing, breathing problems and a drop in blood pressure. The most severe cases can lead to loss of consciousness or death.
Anaphylaxis is an emergency. You will need an immediate injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). Then you will be given fluids intravenously (into a vein).
Ask your physician if you are at risk of anaphylaxis. If so, consider carrying an emergency epinephrine kit and learn how to use it.
Call your physician if any of your symptoms persist or don't respond to treatment. Call your physician or go to an emergency room at once if you have any of these symptoms:
- Difficulties in breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Facial swelling
- Dizziness
These symptoms could signal anaphylaxis, which requires emergency treatment.
With prompt, appropriate treatment, most people recover completely from an allergic reaction to latex. In rare cases, a reaction can be severe. This can lead to anaphylactic shock and death. The outlook is best if you strictly avoid latex.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484
Toll-Free: 1-877-226-4267
Fax: 301-718-6366
TTY: 301-565-2966
E-Mail: niamsinfo@mail.nih.gov
www.niams.nih.gov/
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