Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product made from the rubber tree. If you have a latex allergy, your body mistakes latex for a harmful substance.
Latex allergy may cause itchy skin and hives or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause throat swelling and severe difficulty breathing. Your health care provider can determine if you have a latex allergy or if you're at risk of developing a latex allergy.
Understanding latex allergy and knowing common sources of latex can help you prevent allergic reactions.
If you're allergic to latex, you're likely to have symptoms after touching latex rubber products, such as gloves or balloons. You also can have symptoms if you breathe in latex particles that are released into the air when someone removes latex gloves.
Latex allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. A reaction depends on how sensitive you are to latex and the amount of latex you touch or inhale. Your reaction can become worse with each additional latex exposure.
Mild symptoms
Mild latex allergy symptoms include:
Itching
Skin redness
Hives or rash
More-severe symptoms
These include:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Scratchy throat
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Cough
Life-threatening symptoms: Anaphylaxis
The most serious allergic reaction to latex is anaphylaxis, which can be deadly. An anaphylactic (an-uh-fuh-LAK-tik) reaction develops immediately after latex exposure in highly sensitive people. However, it rarely happens the first time you're exposed.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Difficulty breathing
Hives or swelling
Nausea and vomiting
Wheezing
Drop in blood pressure
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Rapid or weak pulse
Although medicines are available to reduce the symptoms of latex allergy, there is no cure. The only way to prevent a latex allergic reaction is to avoid products that contain latex.
Despite your best efforts to avoid latex, you may come into contact with it. If you've had a severe allergic reaction to latex, you may need to carry injectable epinephrine with you at all times. If you have an anaphylactic reaction, you will need to go to the emergency room for an immediate injection of adrenaline, also known as epinephrine.
For less severe reactions, your provider may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids. These may be taken after exposure to latex to control your reaction and help relieve discomfort.
Diagnosis is sometime a challenge. Your health care provider will examine your skin and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Tell your provider about your reactions to latex and if you've had any other allergy symptoms. Your provider also will ask questions to rule out other reasons for your symptoms.
A skin test can help determine if your skin reacts to the latex protein. The provider uses a tiny needle to place a small amount of latex below the surface of the skin on your forearm or back. If you're allergic to latex, you develop a raised bump. Only an allergist or other provider experienced in skin testing should perform this test.
Blood tests also may be done to check for latex sensitivity.
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