Latex Allergies are Rapidly Increasing. Are You at Risk?

Latex allergies are significantly increasing. There are more than 40,000 products containing latex. The United States alone, utilizes annually a staggering 10 billion units of latex gloves. Your chances of contracting a latex allergy increase exponentially with exposure. If you are a health care worker or have had multiple surgical procedures, you are more at risk of this allergy.

What is Latex?

Latex is a manufactured product originating from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Latex is one of the most effective barriers currently in use to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B and HIV. Some people are allergic to the actual latex itself, while others are allergic to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Others are allergic to both.

Signs of Latex Allergy:

The symptoms of a latex allergy can vary from mild reactions to life threatening anaphylactic shock. Any or all of the following signs can be experienced:

	Headache.
	Swelling of the contacted area.
	Runny nose or sneezing.
	Watery, red, itchy eyes.
	Hives or a rash.
	Husky voice or a sore throat.
	Coughing.
	Abdominal cramps.
	Shortness of breath or asthma.
	Loss of consciousness and shock.

Common Products Containing Latex:

There are literally thousands of products containing latex that the allergy sufferer could come into contact with on a daily basis:

	Balloons.
	Dish-washing gloves.
	Disposable nappies.
	Medical gloves.
	Hot water bottles.
	Condoms and diaphragms.
	Waistbands of clothing.
	Erasers and rubber bands.
	Teats of baby bottles.
	Mattresses.
	Carpet.
	Rubber toys.
	Racket handles.
	Swimming goggles.

It is the products which are stretchy and made from “dipped” latex which generally are responsible for the latex allergy. Products made from hardened rubber like tires and athletic shoes don’t tend to cause problems. Additionally, synthetic latex will not usually cause an allergic response as it doesn’t contain the particular protein found in the natural rubber.

Latex and Food Allergies

Some foods contain similar proteins to that in natural rubber latex. 70% of people suffering from a latex allergy will be allergic to at least one cross linked food, while 50% will test positive to more than one food product.Here are the most common cross linked foods to the latex allergy: Avocado, Banana, Chestnuts, Eggplant, Kiwi fruit, Mango, Melons, Papaya, Passion fruit, Pineapple, Potato, Tomato, Wheat.

Latex Allergies

There are 3 main types of latex allergies:

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis. This form of skin rash is not caused by an actual allergic response. The most common causes are from irritants being left on skin under the gloves, and sweating while wearing the gloves. This type of dermatitis results in cracked, dry red skin and is prevalent in health care and dental staff.

2.  Allergic Contact Dermatitis. This rash normally presents within 48-96 hours after contact. This is also known as a T-cell mediated delayed response and can be caused by the latex itself or by the chemical additives. This sort of rash often is similar in appearance to a poison ivy rash, and can result in oozing blisters.

3. Hyper Sensitivity Immediate Immune System Response. This allergic reaction occurs immediately and is caused by the body producing histamines as a response to IgE antibodies in the bloodstream detecting the protein in the natural latex as an enemy. This type of allergic reaction will produce symptoms ranging from hay fever to anaphylactic shock.

The only accurate and safe way to determine whether you have a latex allergy is to have a specific blood test performed.  The best treatment is to minimize contact with latex products.

Are you at Risk of a Latex Allergy?
 
Rubber industry employees and health care workers are at the most risk of developing a latex allergy. 17% of health care workers have a documented allergy, which rises to 25% if the worker suffers from hay fever as well. Children with spina bifida have a nearly 70% chance of this allergy. Other at risk individuals are those who have had multiple surgical procedures as children and those with abnormalities with their urological systems. The general population of the United States has less than 1% chance of being allergic to latex.

For further information, resources, and products to assist in alleviating latex allergies we recommend this web site.