Causes And Symptoms Of Latex Allergy And Its Treatment

Some people have latex allergy, which is a material made from the juice of the Brazilian rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis ). This material is also known as “natural rubber”, and many products we use every day are made from it.

Latex allergy occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to certain proteins found in this material. This is because companies use it to manufacture many items that we come in direct contact with every day.

Estimates indicate that about four out of every 100 people in the population have latex allergy. For example, about 10 out of 100 healthcare workers are allergic to it. This is challenging for this particular group as many medical products are made of or contain latex.

Symptoms of latex allergy

The primary characteristics of latex allergy are itchy skin and hives. It can also manifest itself as eye irritation, runny eyes and red nose. It can even lead to anaphylaxis in severe cases. This reaction can be life threatening as it leads to swollen throat and difficulty breathing.

Causes and risk factors

Latex is a natural product that consists of several components, including proteins. These are the main substances that are responsible for producing allergies.

This is because the small particles released from products made with this material enter the body when they come in contact with the skin, or through the lungs when we breathe.

Some people who are allergic to latex cannot identify direct contact with this material. In these cases, specialists believe that they came in contact with persons who carried particles on their skin or clothing.

Others also suggest that it may be due to indirect contact through food, e.g. was handled by people wearing latex gloves.

Probably allergic people are not born with this problem but develop it by repeated contact with this material. In fact, symptoms often appear only after months or years after the first contact with latex.

Which products contain latex?

These products are everywhere and people use them because they are soft and resistant.

Products for medical use

This is a frequent component of medical devices such as:

• Disposable gloves.
• Syringes.
• A stethoscope or a blood pressure monitor.
• Intravenous needles.
• Bandages.

Some countries have rules on the use of medical devices that contain latex, and users must specify this to prevent them from coming into contact with allergic people.

Daily products

Many everyday products contain latex or other types of natural rubber, such as:

• Balloons.
• Rubber bands.
• Condoms.
• Gloves.
• Tire.
• Toy.
• Handle.

In general, these products rarely cause problems, except in extremely sensitive people.

other products

There is a link between allergies to certain foods and latex. This is because some foods contain the same allergens as latex. Some of them are:

• Avocado.
• Celery.
• Banana.
• Passion fruit.
• Kiwi.
• Chestnut.

This is important because people who are allergic to latex are more likely to also be allergic to these foods or at least have a cross-reaction.

Diagnostic tests

Diagnosing latex allergy is a challenge, as it is for many other allergies. The doctor examines your skin and asks questions about your symptoms and also looks for specific data with which other causes of the symptoms can be ruled out.

They can order a skin reaction test to determine if it responds to latex proteins. They insert a small needle on the forearm or back to inject a small amount of latex.

They then interpret the result after the skin responds to the sample. A person who is allergic to latex will show inflammation where the doctor applied the latex. Only a specialist should perform this test, a doctor with experience in skin tests and reactions.

Available treatments

Some medications can reduce the symptoms, but it is important to emphasize that latex allergy has no specific cure. The best way to avoid allergic reactions to latex is by avoiding using products that contain it.

Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or low doses of corticosteroids when the reactions after contact with latex are mild. These medications help control the reaction and relieve possible discomfort.

However, you may have unintentional contact with latex products even if you try to avoid them. It may be a good idea to always have an auto-injector for adrenaline if you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to these products.

Go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment in case of an anaphylactic reaction.

Latex allergy prevention and recommendations

People who are allergic to latex should inform all healthcare professionals who treat them, as hospitals use many products that contain latex. Likewise, working in a hospital is one of the most important factors in developing latex allergy.

Another form of prevention is to replace products made of latex with products made of other materials. There are latex-free gloves, bandages, condoms and toys on the market.

In addition, you should avoid the above foods to avoid an allergic reaction due to the type of proteins they contain.

Latex allergy is a complex condition

Finally, timely diagnosis is important in these cases, and there is a delay in diagnosis in many patients. It can take two years from the onset of dermatitis until asthma symptoms occur.

Some of the most important measures are to use latex-free products and inform healthcare professionals about your allergy before any procedure. Thus, this is the best way to avoid direct or accidental contact with latex.