About Latex Allergies

To most people, latex is a harmless natural rubber, but for some, exposure to the proteins in that rubber causes a severe reaction because their bodies mistake it for something harmful. Latex allergy sufferers have reactions that range from mildly annoying to deadly. Health care workers, employers and loved ones of people with latex allergies need to be aware of the condition and know what to do to help if a reaction occurs.

Prevelance

• Latex is not a common allergen, but the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that it affects around 10 percent of health care workers due to repeated exposure to the rubber in gloves and medical equipment. People with spina bifida or congenital urinary tract problems are at a 50-percent higher risk for the allergy versus the general population. Rubber industry workers are also at a slightly higher risk for the allergy. Outside of these two groups, less than 1 percent of the general population is affected by latex allergies.

Contact Dermatitis

• According to the AAAAI, one type of latex allergy is a delayed contact dermatitis that appears as a rash on the skin 12 to 36 hours after contact with latex. This is common on the hands of people wearing latex gloves. The AAAAI says that this reaction is likely the result of continued exposure to the chemicals added to the rubber as it is processed. This condition causes no serious harm to the body and is easily avoided by using another type of glove.

Instant Reactions

• Some individuals have a harsher, instantaneous reaction to latex. For these individuals, proteins found in the latex rubber trigger immune system reactions the moment they come into contact with the body. These reactions include swelling, wheezing, redness, itching and sneezing. Individuals with this allergy may even react to airborne latex particles that are created when latex gloves are removed. These airborne particles can cause a stuffy, runny nose, hives, coughing, itchy, watery eyes and even difficulty breathing.

Severe Reactions

• Some people who are allergic to latex will experience a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock. This occurs almost instantly after the person has been exposed to latex. The reaction causes a severe drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness and possible fainting. Anaphylactic shock can also cause the airways to constrict and cut off airflow. Other signs include blue skin, rapid or weak heartbeat, slurred speech, stomach discomfort and confusion. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate emergency medical care.

Prevention

• If you have a latex allergy, you must avoid all possible sources of latex. Medical latex gloves are not the only source of the allergen. Around your home, watch for dishwashing gloves, rubber toys, baby bottle nipples, disposable diapers, sanitary pads, rubber bands, swim goggles, hand grips on bikes, condoms, diaphragms, waistbands on clothing and balloons. At your doctor's office, ask about blood pressure cuffs, syringes, respirators, electrode pads, surgical masks, intravenous tubing and stethoscopes to make sure the doctor is using latex-free equipment. Use caution when handling an unknown rubber item.

Treatment

• Treatment for a latex allergy focuses on prevention and minimizing the reaction when one occurs. There is no cure for this allergy, so you must do everything possible to avoid contact with latex. If contact does occur and you experience a severe reaction, you need to go to the emergency room. If you have a life-threatening sensitivity to latex, your doctor will probably tell you to carry an injectable epinephrine dose, a form of adrenaline that keeps you stable until you receive advanced medical care. Antihistamines are used to control less severe reactions.

Considerations

• If you are allergic to latex, you must become your own advocate. Tell your employer about your condition, and suggest alternative products you could use at work. Do not assume your doctor will read your chart and know about your allergy. Tell all health care professionals about your allergy, including eye doctors and dentists. If your sensitivity is life-threatening, wear a medical alert bracelet. This will inform paramedics of your condition if you are in an emergency situation. When shopping for products, remember that hypoallergenic does not mean latex-free.