Does wearing gloves or using a Band-Aid irritate your skin? These products as well as a hundred others may contain latex and you may be allergic to them.
Natural rubber latex is a milky extract from a variety of tropical plants, but mainly from Brazilian tree known as Hevea Brasiliensis. People who use products containing latex may develop hypersensitivity and become symptomatic upon exposure to such products.
Products made of latex
There are hundreds of products made of latex. One commonly used product in the hospital and in medical clinics is latex gloves. Physicians, dentists and other healthcare providers use the gloves to protect themselves against exposure to blood and bodily fluid. Non-medical users of gloves are cooks, food handlers and housekeepers.
The second most common product known to people is a latex condom. Although only few products containing latex are known to public, there are hundreds of such items that are used on a day-to-day basis. Some examples of latex products include: bathroom throw rugs (non skid latex backing), carpets (backing), elastic underwear, panty hose, diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, legs and waists of clothing, insulation materials, mouse pads for computers, pacifiers, disposable diapers, dishwashing gloves, plasters, toys, balls, swim goggles, sailing equipment, swim suits, lottery tickets (instant scratch off) and chewing gum. For an up-to-date list of latex products and latex-free alternatives, contact American Latex Allergy Association.
How does one become allergic to latex?
Although genetic factors may play a role in developing sensitivity to latex, the sensitivity usually develops as a result of frequent exposure and use of such products. Some people in the following professions are particularly affected: healthcare providers, housekeepers, cook and food handlers and toy manufacturers.
Symptoms of latex allergy
At times, the reaction to latex is localized to the site of exposure, such as redness, itching and hives on the hands after exposure to gloves. At times, the reactions are generalized, such as hives. Someone who inhales latex particles may develop respiratory symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath, closing of the throat or falling blood pressure.
How do you know if you have a latex allergy?
Of course, you may experience the symptoms after exposure to latex. Some Latex-sensitized people may also react to some foods such as banana, avocado, kiwi, chestnut and melon. That is due to the similarity of latex proteins to the proteins in those fruits. The latex sensitivity can also be confirmed with a lab test. Ask your allergist to order the test for you to confirm your allergic status.
Management and prevention of latex allergy
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for latex allergy. Although vaccine preparations have been successful in a small study, the risk of systemic reaction was not worthwhile to pursue the mass production.
The best strategy to control latex allergy is prevention. Here are some tips for latex-allergy sufferers and those at risk:
n If you frequently use latex products, you should look for latex-free alternatives.
n Read labels. Many manufacturers identify the latex source of their products.
n Call the manufacturer. If the item has no label, you can call the manufacturer directly. Although sometimes, manufacturers have difficulty identifying the latex content of their products. That is because certain products such as mattresses may be assembled by various manufacturers. For example, the cover, the filler and box spring may be from three different sources.
n Limit your exposure. If you have to use latex products, limit your exposure. Some housekeepers wear their gloves during the entire shift. They should try to take them off when not working.
n If you are allergic to latex, ask your allergist to prescribe you an Epipen. This is a brand name of a self-injectable prefilled syringe containing epinephrine, a life saving medication. In case of systemic reaction, such as a closing throat, a feeling that one will pass out, shortness of breath, swelling tongue and throat, you can inject the medication into your muscle. There is an easy-to-follow diagram on the label that demonstrates the injection technique. Your allergist and pharmacist can also teach you the self-injection technique.
n Carry Benadryl with you. The generic name is diphenhydramine. This is an antihistamine that can take care of your minor reactions such as itching or hives. In case of systemic reactions, you should use your Epipen as well as Benadryl and then go to an emergency room for observation.
n Wear an identification bracelet or a necklace to expose your latex allergy status. If you are unconscious and are taken to emergency room, the ER personnel can take all the necessary precautions for the handling your emergency condition. Note that many of the medical items used in resuscitation such as endotracheal tubes, intravenous lines, stethoscopes, gloves and blood pressure cuffs may contain latex.
n If you need to have an operation, you should notify your new physicians or the hospital about your latex allergy condition.Hospitals have protocols, or they should , for handling of latex allergy patients.
Q&A
Here’s a question from a reader based on our “Living in a moldy home” column that ran May 17:
A reader who has been living in an apartment with a moldy bathtub has asked if her 2-year-old son’s sickness, which includes symptoms of sneezing, cough and wheezing can be due to a ” black slimy mold” in their bath tub. She has tried various detergents without a permanent success. The mold keeps reappearing.
A: Your son’s condition is likely due to your moldy home environment. It seems like your mold problem is more than just the bathtub. If you have used different detergents and the mold reappears, other parts of your home may be contaminated. The best solution is to move to another unit, preferably to a newer unit and a different building. People with “sick building syndrome” usually do better after moving to a newer building environment.
Dr. Massoud Mahmoudi is an assistant clinical professor in the division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of California, San Francisco’s Department of Medicine and is in private practice in the South Bay. He is the author of the upcoming book “Allergy Cure!” E-mail him questions at do************@ya***.com.
