Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

Latex Allergy

Latex allergy is a reaction to natural rubber latex found in most latex gloves and in many other medical products. This causes concern in the health-care industry, because in many cases latex allergy develops by physical contact to latex, meaning that an allergy may develop by repeatedly wearing latex gloves. There have also been cases where allergy develops due to exposure to inhaled latex proteins. These proteins are found in the powders used to line latex gloves. These allergens become airborne when gloves are snapped on and off and when inhaled and may cause an allergic reaction.

What Are the Symptoms of Latex Allergy?

The symptoms of latex allergy range from mild (nasal congestion) to moderate (hives or itchy skin) to severe (anaphylaxis which could cause death). Severe symptoms are usually immediate, progress rapidly, and may include a dangerous drop in blood pressure; flushed skin difficulty breathing swelling of the throat, tongue, and nose; and a loss of consciousness. If these signs occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. (See Anaphylaxis for more information on severe allergic reactions.)

Who Is at Risk for Latex Allergy?

If you are or have been repeatedly exposed to latex products, there is a greater risk for latex allergy. The following seem to be more susceptible:

• Health care personnel and others who wear latex gloves.
• Patients with a history of early and/or recurrent medical procedures such as children with spina bifida.
• Exposure to latex in the workplace (i.e., workers who manufacture latex gloves or catheters).

Other risk factors appear to include:

• A history of hay fever or other allergies.
• A history of food allergies to tropical fruit, hazelnuts, chestnuts, or stone fruits, particularly if progressive in scope or severity.
• Hand dermatitis that is severe or has changed in severity when using latex gloves.

How Can Latex Allergy be Prevented?

Since there is currently no cure for latex allergy, prevention is the best "treatment." Here are some guidelines for latex allergy prevention:

• All products and medical devices that an individual at risk comes into contact with should be reviewed for latex content. NOTE: Just because a label says "hypoallergenic" does not mean that it is latex-free.
• In general, only low allergen, non-powdered gloves should be used.
• Health care workers sensitive to latex must stop wearing latex gloves and their co-workers must not use powdered gloves. Take care in choosing a substitution to latex gloves, as not all synthetic or non-latex products are equally impermeable to blood-borne pathogens.
• See your allergist to confirm and/or treat your allergies. Since the reaction to latex can be fatal, testing should be performed only under the supervision of an allergy specialist.

For more information on latex allergy, visit the Latex Allergy Help Web site.