Facts About Latex Allergies

The prevalence of latex allergies has prompted many schools to go “latex-free.” Recently, someone innocently ignored the rule and brought a latex birthday balloon into my sons’ high school for a friend. The high school actually had a lockdown until the balloon was located and disposed of properly. It may sound silly, but considering this could actually have killed a student, I understand the policy. Also, if you or your partner have a latex allergy to condoms, please speak with your physician because using them can result in some serious or even deadly consequences in certain circumstances.

Latex allergies result from an allergic reaction to the substances found in natural latex, a type of rubber derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Latex is used in such items as rubber gloves, condoms, balloons and medical devices. The actual cause of latex allergy is unknown, but repeated exposure tends to induce symptoms in those individuals who have this allergy. I first started noticing my own sensitivity to latex long ago, after some years of wearing rubber gloves to wash dishes. My hands were breaking out with itching red rash-like bumps, especially between my fingers. After speaking to my doctor about the matter, it was determined that I have a mild latex allergy.

Certain people are more likely to develop latex allergies. They include health care workers, those with defects in bone marrow cells, those with asthma, allergies and eczema, people who have had multiple surgeries and those who used rubber-tipped urinary catheters. Those with food allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwi or chestnuts are also at risk for developing latex allergies, as well as those who work in the manufacturing of rubber or those who use condoms.

Exposure to latex can occur through the skin, mucous membranes or through inhalation or blood. There are three common types of reactions to latex, ranging in severity from annoying to life-threatening.

The least threatening reaction is referred to as irritant contact dermatitis. This is a non-allergic skin reaction that include symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, scaling and lesions on the skin. In actual allergic contact dermatitis, it is a delayed type of reaction, with similar symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis, but the reactions are more severe and will last longer.

The most serious reaction to latex is called latex hypersensitivity. This is an immediate allergic reaction that may produce symptoms such as rhinitis (hay fever), conjunctivitis, cramps, hives, severe itching, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, tremors, difficulty with breathing, and decreased blood pressure. In the most severe reactions, anaphylactic shock, or even death, may occur. This type of reaction requires emergency medical aid, so call 911 or go to the nearest ER as soon as possible.


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