In a latex allergy, the immune system identifies latex as a harmful substance. Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex is derived from the milky fluid of the rubber tree, found in Africa and Southeast Asia. The latex original role is in the tree to heal the cuts in the surface of the plant.
Latex, after extracted is treated with ammonia which is a basic ingredient in making gloves, condoms, rubber bands, balloons, erasers and toys.
In another method, the acid-coagulated latex is used as crumb rubber and to form dry sheets. The latex is “vulcanized” by adding sulfur at extremely high temperature for a prolonged time to get low-to-undetectable levels of allergenic proteins. These are called the non-allergenic products.
Latex allergy may cause an allergic reactions ranging from sneezing or a runny nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. The problem is not with the rubber itself, but a contaminating protein in the rubber. Your doctor may determine if you have a latex allergy or if you are at risk of developing a latex allergy.
There are three types of latex allergy reactions:
- Irritant contact dermatitis (non-allergen contact dermatitis) It is a non-allergic hypersensitivity and it is the most common clinical reaction to latex products. Repeated exposure of this allergen often leads to latex allergy.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: A delayed reaction to additives used in latex processing. The reactions are similar to contact dermatitis (dryness, itching, burning, scaling, and lesions of the skin) but they are more severe and tend to spread to more parts of the body, and lasts longer.
- Latex Protein Allergy (latex hypersensitivity) is an immediate allergic reaction. This is the most serious reaction to latex. Symptoms can show up as urticaria, hay fiver, rhinitis. This allergic reactions to latex sometimes may progress life-threatening conditions such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, tremors, chest pain, anaphylactic shock. If left untreated, these conditions could potentially result in death.
Latex allergy is more prevalent and found in healthcare professionals due to the increased use of latex gloves. Wearing gloves gives the health care professional more immunity and protects against further transmission of infectious diseases (such as HIV, Hepatitis B). About 5% to 10% of health care workers have some form of allergy to latex. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions, although hundreds of these products contain latex:
- medical devices (gloves, catheters, blood pressure cuffs, tourniquets, bandages)
- dental items (dams and orthodontic rubber bands)
- children’s items (toys, bottle nipples, pacifiers and teething toys);
- clothing (the elastic waistbands in pants and underwear);
- household items (rugs, bathmats and rubber gloves);
- personal care items (diapers and condoms);
- office and school supplies (rubber bands, erasers, paint).
Not all brands or all items contain latex. Check labels carefully or contact the manufacturer for further questions.
People with higher risk for developing latex allergy are:
- Health care workers and others who frequently wear latex gloves
- People who have had multiple surgeries, such as children with spina bifida
- People who are often exposed to natural rubber latex, including rubber industry workers
Latex allergy can exposure to:
- inhalation of powder particles. Cornstarch is sometimes used on the inside of gloves to make them easier to put on and remove. The cornstarch absorbs latex proteins, but when the gloves are snapped during application or removal, the latex-laden particles fly into the air.
- absorption through the skin can occur when latex gloves are worn. (by trauma, irritation, or contact dermatitis),
- absorption through mucous membranes (from condoms, or internal examinations with latex gloves, through eyes, mouth, rectum)
- direct entry into the body (e.g. during surgical procedure when healthcare professionals wearing latex gloves.
Manufacturers produce two types of products from natural latex sources:
- Hardened rubber. This type of latex is found in products such as athletic shoes, tires and rubber balls. Hardened rubber doesn’t cause allergies in most people.
- Dipped latex. There are the stretchy products, such as rubber gloves, balloons and condoms. Most allergic reactions to latex occur with products made of dipped latex because they’re often used directly on the skin.
Other rubber: Rarely, some people who are sensitive to latex also may react to other rubber products, including erasers, rubber toy parts, rubber bands, rubber in medical devices and rubber in the elastic in clothing.
Not all latex products are made from natural sources. Products containing man-made (synthetic) latex, such as latex paint, are unlikely to cause a reaction because they don’t contain the natural substance. Some waterproof sealants may contain natural rubber latex. Be sure to read the label before using them.
What is a cross reaction?
People who have a latex allergy may be allergic to some foods, as well (such as avocados banana, kiwi, chestnut), This is called a cross reaction. When this happens, your body responds with the same allergic symptoms that you would have if you were exposed to latex. Cross reactions differ from one person to another.
How can latex allergy be prevented?
Where possible, latex gloves should be replaced with non-latex gloves, although latex gloves remain the best barrier against infectious organisms.
Latex gloves should be powder free and contain a low protein content.
If you have latex allergy you should avoid direct contact with all products and devices that contain latex. Also avoid food that causes an allergic reaction. Latex allergy problems during dental, medical or surgical procedures can be prevented by warning health care providers about latex allergy before any test or treatment. Latex allergic people can receive medical or dental care in a latex-safe area. Hospitals and clinics that use only low protein latex gloves and non-latex gloves have experienced dramatic declines in new cases of latex allergy.
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