Latex Allergies

What is latex?

Natural rubber latex (usually called latex) is the milky fluid in rubber trees. This fluid can be used to manufacture many different products.

What is a latex allergy?

A latex allergy is a reaction to the natural latex protein found in many rubber products. Some people are allergic to the chemicals used to make latex, but not the latex protein. Allergic reactions can occur when a person is exposed to latex or the chemicals used in processing. The powder used in latex gloves can stick to particles of latex protein. When these particles enter the air, they can be inhaled. This is important because someone who is allergic to latex may show symptoms of a reaction by just being in a room where gloves are being used or were used.

Your doctor (preferably one who specializes in allergies) can determine which allergy you have by doing a skin test.

You cannot tell by looking at a rubber product if it is made from natural rubber latex or synthetic (artificial) rubber. Always read the labels.

Synthetic latex (found in crepe rubber soles of shoes or latex paints) does not cause any reactions. Paints and caulkings are usually synthetic products that do not contain natural rubber latex.

Who is at risk?

You are at a higher risk for latex allergies if you:

• have other allergies or eczema
• use latex products every day at home or at work
• have spina bifida, urinary problems, or a condition where you use latex products in your care
• have had many surgeries or procedures where latex products have been used
• are allergic or sensitive to bananas, avocados, kiwi, passion fruit, European chestnuts and water chestnuts

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to latex?

An allergic reaction to latex can be mild or severe. Occasionally, this can be life-threatening if the person develops an anaphylactic allergic reaction.

With a mild or moderate reaction, you might have some of the following signs:

• redness of the skin
• rash on the body parts that contact latex (sometimes may occur on other areas of the body)
• swelling of the skin, hives or welts
• sudden onset of itchy swollen eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness
• sudden asthma-like breathing problems: tight chest, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and flushed skin

Note: As with any rash, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the throat, tongue and nose
• loss of consciousness
• flushed skin
• rapid drop in blood pressure

This is called anaphylactic shock. It can happen within moments of contact with latex. If you have adrenaline (EpiPen) with you, give it to yourself immediately. This will help treat a reaction until you can get to a hospital Emergency Department. Call 911 right away for help.

Since every person is different, people may react immediately to latex contact, or they may not react until after repeated exposure.

The kind of reaction each person experiences depends upon:

• the person's degree of sensitivity to latex
• the amount of latex to which the person has been exposed
• whether or not the latex protein contacted moist areas of the body such as the mouth, vagina, rectum, or lungs

What are some skin problems confused with latex allergy?

Contact dermatitis (skin rash) is a common problem caused by:

• frequent handwashing and drying with soaps
• cuts and scrapes on the skin from putting on and removing jewellery or gloves (whether latex or not)
• irritation of skin covered by a glove which doesn't "breathe"
  can also be caused by contact allergy to one of the chemicals used to make latex gloves

Will latex allergy get worse or go away?

Studies have shown that the more you are exposed to natural latex, the worse your symptoms can become. A doctor will be able to tell you if you have a mild, moderate or severe latex allergy.

When will I be in contact with latex?

In a healthcare setting, latex is found in gloves, catheters, tubing and many other products used in patient care. If you know that you have a natural latex allergy, tell the staff right away.

If you are receiving health care or treatment at home, tell your healthcare worker of your allergy.

At home, you may find latex in baby soothers, and nipples, disposable diapers, condoms, erasers, craft supplies, make-up, cleaning gloves, toys, racquet handles, first aid tape and bandages.

Natural Latex Products

Latex is found in as many as 40,000 consumer products. It is very important to read labels. Here are some common examples of products that contain natural latex:

Note 1. This is not a complete list of all products that contain latex.

Note 2. Natural skin condoms may protect against pregnancy, but will not provide protection against several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – especially HIV or AIDS, and hepatitis.

Natural Latex Substitutes

Here are some tips about latex substitutes:

• Look for products labelled vinyl or silicone.
• Many elastic fabrics have no latex (spandex and lycra), but elastic webbing often contains latex.
• Look for nitrile, neoprene, vinyl, or copolymer on glove labels.
• Use Mylar (non-latex ) balloons and leather balls.
• Most foam rubber is really foam polyurethane and will not cause allergies.
• Use synthetic rubber or polyurethane male/female condoms.

What is the treatment for a latex allergy?

There is no known cure for latex allergy. Medications can sometimes take care of some of the symptoms.

What are some of the precautions I can take?

• Avoid contact with natural rubber latex products. See list of common products.
• Contact healthcare professionals ahead of time for scheduled appointments (for example, clinic or dental visits) and tell them you have a latex allergy.
• If you work in an area where latex is commonly used, tell your employer or Occupational or Staff Health official. Tell your family, school, healthcare workers and friends that you are allergic to latex.
• Always wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that states you are allergic to natural latex rubber.
• Before any medical or dental visit where gloves are worn, tell the person you have a latex allergy. Ask to be scheduled as the first patient of the day, so that there will not be as many latex particles in the air.
• See your doctor for medicine to help decrease allergy symptoms. Ask your doctor if you should carry injectable adrenaline (EpiPen) with you to provide immediate, emergency treatment in case you have a severe reaction. An EpiPen is simple to use and can be carried in a purse or pocket. Always carry it with you if advised to do so.
• Carry sterile non-latex gloves and supplies with you, in case you need medical attention.
  Before surgery, ask your doctor about a latex-free operating environment.
• Do not use a barrier cream (like Vaseline) when wearing gloves. These creams react with latex proteins, and increase allergic responses.
• Wash any product you think contains latex with soap and water. Also, soak the product in large amounts of water for 15-20 minutes. Wash all clothing that might contain latex before wearing.

Resources and Services

Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Online (a site maintained by allergists and their professional association American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology)

American Latex Allergy Association

American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology

Copyright & Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)