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Latex Allergy - What to Avoid

by Gemma Argent

Overview

Latex is made from rubber trees.

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Latex is a product made from the milk-like liquid drained from the rubber tree. People allergic to latex need to avoid any products containing the protein from the rubber tree.
Symptoms

An allergic reaction to rubber latex, such as gloves or condoms, can include the symptoms of hives, coughing, nausea, dizziness and itchy skin. Severe reactions can cause shock which could be life threatening if not treated.

Surgical gloves contain latex.

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Avoidance

People with a latex allergy must avoid anything that contains latex made from the rubber tree fluid. A partial list includes latex gloves, condoms, rubber bands, baby-bottle nipples or balloons. If there is contact with latex, hands must be washed immediately to get the latex protein off the skin.

Hand washing can help.

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Sensitivity

Not all people are sensitive to latex, but those who are experience a reaction when their immune system thinks the protein in the fluid from the rubber tree is a harmful substance. First exposure will generally cause only mild symptoms, but the more exposure, the worse the reaction, which could lead to anaphylactic shock and perhaps even death.
Prevention

While there is no cure for a latex allergy, it's essential that a person with sensitivity or an allergy avoid all forms of latex. Currently, there are many alternative products available that don't contain latex. It's important for an allergic person to let employers and health care workers know of his latex allergy so doctors, hygenists or dentists will not use latex. It's also a good idea to wear a medical bracelet stating the allergy to alert health care workers in case of an accident.
Treatment

If a person has only a mild allergy to latex, antihistamines can be taken. In cases of severe allergies, a doctor may prescribe epinephrine, also known as adrenalin. This can be given to the patient as a self-administering "pen."

Antihistamines may help a mild allergy.

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