Latex Allergy Information

In a latex allergy, your immune system treats latex as a harmful substance. Allergic symptoms can include a runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, facial swelling, rashes and hives, nausea, diarrhea, labored breathing, and even anaphylactic shock.

Allergies can be triggered by either direct contact, inhalation, or accidental injestion.

- Direct contact. The most common cause of latex allergy is direct contact with latex, such as by wearing latex gloves or by contact with latex-containing products.

-Inhalation. You can develop a latex allergy by inhaling latex particles. Latex products, especially gloves, shed large amounts of latex particles, which can become airborne. Cornstarch is sometimes used on the inside of gloves to make them easier to put on and take off. The cornstarch absorbs latex proteins, but when the gloves are snapped during application or removal, the latex-laden particles fly into the air.

-Ingestion. This is usually accidental. There's not really any type of latex commonly in our food supply. However, some common foods, such as avocadoes, may trigger a cross-reaction to those allergic to latex.

There are two types of products commonly manufactured from natural latex sources:

Hardened rubber. This type of latex is found in products such as athletic shoes, tires and rubber balls. Hardened rubber doesn't cause allergies in most people.

Dipped latex. Latex of this kind is found in some products that are "stretchy," such as rubber gloves, balloons, rubber bands and condoms. Most allergic reactions to latex occur with products made of dipped latex because they're often used directly against the skin.

Not all latex products are made from natural sources. Products containing artificial or synthetic latex, such as latex paint, are unlikely to cause a reaction because they aren't used against the skin and don't contain the natural latex proteins.

Thousands of consumer products contain natural latex rubber. Common latex products include:

*Dishwashing gloves

*Carpeting

*Waistbands on clothing

*Balloons (other than Mylar ones, which are safe)

*Rubber toys and chew toys for dogs

*Hot water bottles

*Baby bottle nipples

*Disposable diapers

*Feminine napkins

*Rubber bands

*Erasers

*Condoms

*Diaphragms

*Swim goggles

*Tennis Racket handles

*Motorcycle and bicycle handgrips

Latex products are also found in health care settings. Latex is one of the most effective barriers available to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis B and C. As a result, there's been a marked increase in the use of latex gloves. However, because of the problem of latex allergy, many health care facilities use nonlatex gloves. It is becoming more common for emergency workers (ambulances and firetrucks) to stock latex-free supplies exclusively.

Other medical products that may contain latex or rubber include:

*Blood pressure cuffs

*Stethoscopes

*IV tubing

*Syringes

*Respirators

*Electrode pads

*Surgical masks

*Bandages and wraps

It isn't clear why some people develop allergies while others don't. However, certain people are at greater risk of developing a latex allergy:

*Children with spina bifida. The risk of latex allergy is highest in children with spina bifida - a birth defect that affects the development of the spine. Children with this disorder often are exposed to latex products through early and frequent health care. About half of all children with spina bifida are allergic to latex.

*Health care workers. If you work in the health care field, your chances of developing an allergy are higher. The signs and symptoms of latex allergy may be similar to those of occupational asthma, a lung disease caused by inhaling workplace substances.

*People with food allergies. Latex allergy is also related to certain foods. Foods such as avocados, bananas, chestnuts, kiwis and passion fruits contain some of the same allergens found in latex. If you're allergic to latex, you have a greater chance of also being allergic to these foods.

*People with a family history of allergies. You're at increased risk of latex allergy if other allergies, such as hay fever or hives, are common in your family

Limit the number of latex products that you use. Most latex products have safter alternatives.

Talk to your employer. Discuss reducing the number of latex products you might come in contact with at work.

Inform your health care professionals. Be sure to tell your doctors, dentists and nurses about your allergy.

Choose alternative gloves. If you must wear gloves at work, choose gloves made without latex. Vinyl gloves work in many situations, but aren't as effective at protecting you from hepatitis or HIV transmission. Many other types of synthetic gloves work just as well as latex gloves for stopping disease transmission, but they can be more expensive.

Avoid inhaling latex. Stay away from areas of your workplace where other workers may be wearing latex gloves. Request that the people you work with use gloves that aren't powdered with cornstarch.
Wear a medical alert bracelet. Always keep identification on you or with you that clearly alerts others of any allergies you have.
Be wary of products labeled 'hypoallergenic.' This labeling doesn't mean these products don't contain latex. In this context, "hypoallergenic" usually indicates fewer chemicals were used in the latex production process.
Ask for advice. Talk to your doctor about your latex allergy. He or she might be able to suggest other ways you can avoid latex in your daily life and reduce your chances of an allergic reaction. Your doctor might also suggest emergency medication to keep with you in case you have a severe reaction to latex.
Use nonlatex condoms. If you're allergic to latex, consider using polyurethane or lambskin condoms, or use another type of birth control. However, keep in mind that condoms made of these alternative products don't protect against sexually transmitted diseases as well as latex condoms do. Read the label on the package to see what the condom is made of and whether it's labeled for disease prevention.