Latex Allergy

What is latex?
Latex is a milky sap obtained from rubber trees. Using various methods, latex can be processed into a variety of products, either dipped or molded. As many as 200 chemical additives are added to give latex its desired physical properties. Dipped latex products include gloves, balloons, and condoms and pose the most risk for allergic reactions. Molded products include automobile tires, rubber hoses, and toys and usually do not cause problems. Water soluble, acrylic based paint, or "latex paint" usually does not contain natural latex and will not cause a problem; however, a few specialized waterproofing paints do contain natural rubber latex.

What are the type of reactions that may occur?
There are two types of allergic reactions to latex. The first is contact dermatitis: a poison ivy-like rash that appears 12-36 hours after contact with latex. Most commonly, this occurs on the hands of people who wear latex gloves. This type of reaction is usually due to chemicals added during rubber processing. While very irritating, this form of allergy is not life-threatening.

Immediate or IgE-mediated reactions are potentially the most serious form of allergic reaction to latex. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include one or more of the following: hives or welts, swelling of affected area, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny or stuffy nose, hoarse voice, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath (asthma). Rarely, anaphylaxis or life threatening reactions may occur.

Latex protein can adhere to the corn starch powder used in gloves. As gloves are used, the starch particles and latex protein can become airborne. Like pollen, this can be inhaled or come into contact with the nose or eyes and cause symptoms. The use of non-powdered gloves reduces the risk of these reactions. Latex products, especially gloves, may vary enormously in the amount of latex protein that they contain.

Who is at risk for latex allergy?
Anyone can develop latex allergy, but certain individuals have been identified to be at particularly high risk. These include patients with spina bifida (a congenital problem with the development of the back)and congenital urinary tract problems, health care workers, and patients who have had multiple surgeries.

Evaluation and Treatment
The first step is awareness of the problem. Tell your doctor if you think you may have symptoms of latex allergy. After taking a detailed history and examining you, your doctor may decide whether additional tests for latex allergy are needed.

If you are allergic to latex:

You should avoid latex exposure as much as possible.
You should discuss with your doctor whether you should wear a Medic-Alert emblem and carry injectable epinephrine.
Certain foods, such as bananas, grapes, avocados, passion fruit, kiwi, pineapple, cherry, chestnuts, and peaches may cause problems in latex-sensitive patients. This is because these foods contain some of the same protein found in latex and are cross-reactive. The poinsetta plant also contains similar latex proteins and should not be brought into the home.
Always carry non-latex gloves with you for others to wear during an emergency situation.
Using condoms has been an embarassing problem for some latex-allergic people. Natural skin condoms do not contain latex and usually prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against the HIV virus which causes AIDS. Hopefully, synthetic condoms capable of preventing both pregnancy and viral infections will soon be available.

Your allergist can provide you with more information on latex allergy.

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