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Understanding Latex Allergies
An allergy is a sensitivity to a certain substance. If you have a latex allergy, you’re sensitive to natural rubber latex. This is a growing problem among people who work in healthcare. This sheet tells you more about the causes and symptoms of latex allergy.
![Closeup of healthcare provider putting on surgical gloves.](378557.img) |
Using nitrile gloves can reduce your exposure to latex. |
What is latex?
Latex is rubber. Natural rubber latex is made from a liquid taken from the rubber tree. Common products that often contain latex include:
How latex allergy develops
Latex protein is the allergen that causes latex allergy. The more a person is exposed to latex protein, the more likely they will develop latex allergy. Increasing exposure to latex increases a person's risk of developing a latex allergy
If the latex gloves are also powdered, the powder can carry particles of latex into the lungs. This can cause respiratory symptoms.
People at higher risk of latex allergy include
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People who work in occupations that commonly use latex gloves, such as healthcare workers, food handlers, and hairdressers
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People who have had many operations since they may come into contact with latex during surgery
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People who have eczema or a food allergy
Know the symptoms of latex allergy
A latex allergy is a lifelong condition. If you have this allergy and it is severe, you must avoid latex.
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If latex touches your skin, you may have a local reaction. For instance, you may have a rash, hives, or blisters on your skin.
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If latex gets into your lungs or bloodstream, you may have a systemic reaction. This means you may have symptoms that affect your whole body. For instance, you may have itchy, red, watery eyes and sneezing. You may also have coughing, trouble breathing, and chest tightness.
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In either case, symptoms can occur right away, or they can occur many hours later. Also, symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Know the signs of anaphylaxis
In rare cases, latex allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. It must be treated right away because it can be fatal. Signs of anaphylaxis include:
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Severe hives and itchy skin
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Swelling of the throat and/or tongue
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Wheezing, trouble breathing
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Chest tightness
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Facial flushing
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Rapid, pounding heartbeat
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Feeling faint; loss of consciousness
If you have serious allergies, including a serious latex allergy, be sure to wear medical alert identification. In addition, your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Use it if you have one. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room (ER).
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rajadurai Samnishanth
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2024
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.