Latex Allergy Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Whenever you visit the doctor’s office, or if you have been in the hospital for any type of procedure, you have probably been asked if you have an allergy to latex. Latex is commonly used in surgical gloves and other medical equipment, and many people have experienced latex allergy symptoms in the presence of these materials. If you think you may be allergic to latex condoms or other items made from latex, it is recommended that you find out more about latex allergy symptoms and what you can do to prevent them.

What is latex?

Latex is a material made from the milky-looking sap of the rubber tree. It is often used in the rubber gloves commonly found in medical facilities; it is also used in other medical supplies and in condoms.

While medical researchers have not yet found out exactly what causes latex allergy symptoms, there is some evidence that repeated exposure to the substance can lead to latex allergy symptoms. There are also some apparent risk factors for developing a latex allergy, including the following:

- Allergy to bananas, kiwi, or avocado;

- Other skin allergies, eczema, or asthma;

- Multiple surgeries;

- Bone marrow disorders.

What are the common signs of latex allergy?

Most latex allergy symptoms, although uncomfortable or painful, are non-life-threatening, although in some cases, severe reactions that are left untreated can lead to death.

The following is a list of the most commonly seen latex allergy symptoms:

- Burning, itching, dryness of the skin;

- Lesions;

- Hayfever –like symptoms such as conjunctivitis, rhinitis;

- Cramps;

- Hives;

- Severe itching which lasts;

- In more serious cases, latex allergy symptoms may include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, tremors, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock.

How can I treat latex allergy symptoms?

In case of a severe reaction to latex, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Latex allergy symptoms tend to become more severe with each contact, so it is important to take steps to reduce your exposure to latex whenever possible.

Treatment for most cases of latex allergy symptoms consists of removal of the material containing latex and treatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids. More severe reactions may require the use of epinephrine or IV fluids. If you are severely allergic to latex, you should wear a medical alert bracelet and carry epinephrine with you. Do not travel alone to a doctor or anywhere else you may be exposed to latex materials.

What are some alternatives to latex?

Latex can be found in many common household items. If you are allergic to latex, you will need to avoid any substances made of latex. These may include anything from rubber drain stoppers to elastic waistbands, tooth brush handles to mouse pads. If you are allergic to latex condoms and other latex materials, there are alternatives to these items.

For example, you can substitute Mylar balloons for rubber, clear phone cords for the regular rubber kind, silicone bottle nipples rather than rubber nipples, and if you are allergic to latex condoms, many pharmacies sell sheep cecum condoms or condoms made from other non-latex materials.