A type of allergy that occurs when people have symptoms when they come in contact with natural rubber latex is called latex allergy. It often causes itching, hives, swelling, a runny nose, and watery eyes, but may also cause other symptoms. However, some people may develop a more severe reaction to latex and experience breathing and swallowing problems. In such cases, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER). Doctors may also recommend avoiding latex and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector to relieve moderate to severe symptoms.
Commonly, any type of allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to specific substances. It mistakenly thinks it is a harmful substance and begins to produce antibodies to fight it. As a result, it leads to inflammation and symptoms. The most common products produced from latex include medical exam gloves, balloons, elastic used in clothing, and condoms.
Types of Latex Allergy
Physicians have divided this type of allergy into 2 categories. For example:
- Type I hypersensitivity (IgE-mediated latex allergy) – People who develop this form of latex allergy have symptoms due to a protein from the natural rubber tree. In this case, the immune system reacts to latex because it thinks it is a harmful substance. As a result, the affected person begins to experience symptoms, such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and others. In more severe cases, people can develop a life-threatening complication called anaphylaxis. Without immediate treatment, it may lead to death.
- Contact dermatitis – This type causes a red and itchy rash that appears after using products that contain latex. In such cases, people develop an allergy to the chemicals used to produce latex products rather than the proteins in the natural rubber. Moreover, this type is sometimes called cell-mediated or type IV dermatitis. The symptoms caused by this form of latex allergy are often temporary, and they can last from a few hours to 1-2 days.
What Are The Symptoms of Latex Allergy?
Most of the time, people who develop this type of allergy experience the following symptoms. These include:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Breathing problems
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Angioedema (swelling under the skin)
- Itching
- Redness
- A runny nose
Do not hesitate to see a doctor if you think you have symptoms due to exposure to latex products. The symptoms often appear differently among people who develop this type of allergy. For instance, some people may develop symptoms a few minutes after getting in contact with latex, but others may notice the symptoms after a day or two. It is very important to get treatment because the symptoms can become more severe with each exposure.
Causes and Risk Factors
This type of allergy, like many others, happens when the immune system overreacts to certain substances. In this case, the immune system thinks latex proteins are harmful substances and tries to get rid of them. Usually, it produces certain antibodies called IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies that find and attack harmful substances. After antibodies are produced, they attack the immune cells. If you come in contact with latex again, the IgE antibodies will recognize the protein, and the immune system starts to release a substance called histamine. This substance causes inflammation, which often leads to symptoms of an allergic reaction. Furthermore, in people with contact dermatitis, there are other substances that cause inflammation in the skin.
While anyone can develop this type of allergy, there are some factors that could elevate your risk even more. These include:
- Frequent surgical procedures – The risk of developing latex allergy significantly increases in people who have had multiple surgeries. For instance, children with spina bifida are more likely to develop this type of allergy because of the multiple procedures they need to treat this condition. Moreover, the medical supplies for these procedures (including gloves and catheters) also contain latex.
- Occupational exposure to latex – Those who wear products that contain latex are more prone to latex allergy. It often affects people who work in dental care, veterinary medicine, hairdressing, or food preparation.
- Food allergies – Commonly, people with food allergies also develop a latex allergy. They are often allergic to the following foods, including kiwis, bananas, avocados, and chestnuts. The connection between food allergies and latex allergy is known as latex-fruit syndrome.
However, this type of allergy occurs quite rarely, and it affects less than 1 in 100 people. The risk increases in healthcare workers or people with other risk factors.
What Are The Long-term Effects of Latex Allergy?
Those who develop latex allergy and leave it untreated may also experience some complications. Check some examples below:
- Occupational and chronic problems – People who are continuously exposed to latex are often sensitized, which makes them react even to airborne latex proteins.
- Respiratory distress – These include acute asthma, cough, throat swelling, and trouble breathing.
- Anaphylaxis – This is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment.
- Severe skin reactions – For example, urticaria (chronic hives), facial swelling, and intense swelling of the tongue or lips.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
This article does not contain a full list of complications. However, you can talk with your physician about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Latex Allergy?
One of the best ways to prevent this type of allergy is to avoid latex. That’s why you should check product labels on everything, including clothing, shoes, household items, and others. Check below for some additional tips that may help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction:
- Inform your doctors, caregivers, teachers, and friends about your allergy
- Consult with your physician before wearing a medical alert bracelet
- Do not spend time in areas where latex may be in the air (including a hospital room)
- Before any medical procedures or dental work, tell your doctor about your allergy.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you are already diagnosed with latex allergy.
Diagnosis
First, physicians perform a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease. Therefore, they may ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history. However, to confirm or rule out this type of allergy, doctors will perform the following tests. These include:
- Blood tests – These tests are done to check for antibodies that are often present in people who are allergic to latex (IgE antibodies).
- Skin tests – During this test, physicians will scratch or prick the skin with a small amount of latex proteins to see whether a reaction occurs.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure this condition. That’s why the treatment goal is to relieve the symptoms, prevent life-threatening complications, and improve your quality of life. Usually, doctors recommend the following medicines. Examples include:
- Antihistamines – If you develop a mild reaction to latex, these medications may help reduce the symptoms.
- Epinephrine – This medicine helps treat a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis).
- Steroids – This group of medications is prescribed by doctors to reduce inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a latex allergy look like?
While contact dermatitis from latex can cause red, swollen, and itchy skin, people may experience hives or a rash on the skin, as well as allergic rhinitis.
What products contain latex?
- Pacifiers and nipples for baby bottles
- Certain types of makeup, face paint, and masks
- Household items (including carpet backing, toys, bandages, rubber bands, and others)
- Personal care items (such as condoms, diaphragms, sanitary napkins, and others)
- Cleaning and medical gloves
- Balloons
- Some parts of clothing and shoes (such as shoe soles, elastic waistbands in underwear, raincoats, and rain boots)
What foods should be avoided by people with a latex allergy?
There are some foods that may also trigger a reaction if you have a latex allergy. Check some examples below:
- Vegetables (including celery, carrots, and potatoes)
- Chestnuts
- Certain fruits (such as apples, bananas, avocados, peaches, kiwis, nectarines, melons, figs, papayas, and others)
Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
