Latex Allergies

Latex is the milky sap of the natural rubber plant, that coagulates, when exposed to air. This latex is used to manufacture many products like balloons, gloves, elastic bands, condoms, pacifiers and baby-bottle nipples, rubber toys, shoe soles, adhesive tapes, diapers and many more. It is believed that rubber latex is used in the making of over 40,000 products. Natural rubber latex and its products can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Some people are born with this allergy, whereas some others develop this allergy due to repeated exposure. Some people with latex allergy may develop allergies to some fruits like banana, kiwi, papaya, avocados and apricots. The allergic reactions may vary from mild itching and rashes to life-threatening situations.

Allergic Reactions

Symptoms of latex allergy vary from person to person. While some people develop allergic reactions, during the very first exposure, some others experience the symptoms after repeated exposure. These allergic reactions can be classified into three types. The least severe and most common of the three types is irritant contact dermatitis, which is characterized by irritation on some areas of the skin, which becomes dry and itchy. This type, commonly affects the skin of the hands and the symptoms worsen due to the powder coating on the gloves, frequent washing and incomplete drying of the hands and by using hand sanitizers.

The second type is allergic contact dermatitis. Also known as delayed hypersensitivity, this causes a severe skin rash at the site of contact with the latex product. This delayed skin rash can lead to blisters and oozing of the skin. It is believed that this type of latex allergy is caused by the chemicals used in the processing of rubber products. The third type is the most severe and life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which can lead to very low blood pressure, breathing problems and sometimes even death. This reaction is common among children with myelomeningocele (birth defect involving the neural tube).

Diagnosis of Latex Allergy

There are two tests to detect latex allergy. One is by conducting a skin patch test and the other is through blood testing. The blood test is the preferred one, because the patch test may trigger immediate symptoms in some people. Blood tests like RAST (radioallergosorbent test) are used to identify the specific protein, which leads to allergic reactions. The third type of allergic reaction, which is the most severe one, is caused by proteins found in the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. Synthetic latex products do not trigger this type of reaction. Allergic contact dermatitis, the second type, is caused by chemicals used in the processing of rubber and the test identifies the chemical, which is causing the reaction. This type of reaction may be due to the use of both natural and synthetic rubber products.

It is observed that health workers and industrial rubber workers are more prone to latex allergy, as they are exposed to latex and its products for long periods. Some children with myelomeningocele and people who have undergone many surgical procedures are also prone to this allergy. At present, there is no treatment to eliminate this problem completely, but symptoms are treated with antihistamines, adrenaline, and steroids. If you experience such reactions, contact your doctor immediately, to avoid further complications. However, the best way to prevent this allergy is to refrain from using latex products.