Latex allergies

Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex, is derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree, found in Africa and South-east Asia.

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to substances in natural latex. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions, although latex is also used in other products such as condoms and some medical devices.

What causes latex allergy?

The exact cause of latex allergy is unknown, but it is thought that repeated exposure to latex and rubber products may induce symptoms.

About 5% to 10% of healthcare workers have some form of allergy to latex.

Who is affected by latex allergy?

Other than healthcare workers, people at increased risk of developing latex allergy include those who have:

• A defect in their bone marrow cells.
• A deformed bladder or urinary tract.
• A history of multiple operations.
• A urinary catheter, which has a rubber tip.
• Allergy, asthma or eczema.
• Food allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwi fruit or chestnuts.

Rubber industry workers and condom users are also at increased risk of developing a latex allergy.

How do people get exposed?

Routes of exposure include:

• Through the skin, as may occur when latex gloves are worn.
• Through mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth, vagina and rectum.
• Through inhalation. Rubber gloves contain a powder that can be inhaled.
• Through the blood, as may occur when some medical devices containing rubber are used.

What happens during a latex reaction?

There are three types of latex reactions:

• Irritant contact dermatitis. The least threatening type of latex reaction, classified as a non-allergenic skin reaction. It usually occurs as a result of repeated exposure to chemicals in latex gloves and results in dryness, itching, burning, scaling and lesions of the skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. A delayed reaction to additives used in latex processing, which results in the same type of reactions as irritant contact dermatitis (dryness, itching, burning, scaling and lesions of the skin), but the reaction is more severe, spreads to more parts of the body and lasts longer.
• Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity). The most serious reaction to latex, it can show up as rhinitis with hayfever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis, cramps, hives and severe itching. It is rare, but symptoms may progress to include a rapid heart rate, tremors, chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock or potentially, death.

What should I do when a latex-allergy reaction occurs?

Allergic reactions to latex can range from skin redness and itching to more serious symptoms such as hives or gastrointestinal problems. True allergic reactions to latex rarely progress to the life-threatening conditions such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing or rapid heart rate. However, if left untreated, these conditions can potentially result in death.

If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical advice immediately, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department.