Patient information sheet - Latex allergy
What is latex?
Latex is the sap from the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. Latex, or natural rubber latex (NRL), is found in lots of everyday things:
- balloons
- condoms
- medical gloves and equipment
Synthetic latex is different, such as in latex house paint, and does not cause allergy.
What is latex allergy?
It is the proteins in natural rubber latex that cause the allergy referred to as "latex allergy". Reactions include a rash soon after contacting latex, that can be itchy, red and uncomfortable, usually affecting the hands (with latex gloves), but it can involve any part of the body.
Latex can also cause itchy, red, irritated eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and even trigger an asthma attack. Latex that contacts "mucosal membranes" that line internal surfaces like the mouth (from blowing up balloons or gloves worn by the dentist), or the vagina (from condoms) can cause burning, stinging, itch and swelling. Fortunately very few people have a severe reaction, which is called anaphylaxis, and causes collapse and even death.
Who gets latex allergy?
Most people affected by this condition are health care workers: nurses, doctors, dentists who use latex gloves a lot. Atopic people (those who have a tendency to eczema, asthma, hay fever and allergies) are more prone to become allergic. People that need many operations, such as spina bifida patients, are also at higher risk, because they come into contact with latex frequently.
Most exposure to latex is through latex gloves. The only time that latex gloves need to be used is when there is potential exposure to bodily fluids. If not, then latex gloves do not need to be used. Gloves made from alternative materials are available. Hairdressers, food handlers, cleaners should NOT use latex gloves. For those who are not allergic to latex and have to use latex gloves, the gloves should be POWDER-FREE. Powder acts as a carrier of the proteins to which people become allergic and can cause latex to be released into the air.
Risk factors for latex allergy include:
- A history of asthma, eczema or hay fever (called atopy, where there is elevated IgE, an antibody in the blood)
- Damaged skin
- Working in healthcare and using gloves frequently
- Using the powdered type of latex gloves, which facilitates transfer of the latex allergen to the skin Other long-term exposures to latex, such as with catheters in spina bifida patients.
- Several foods cross react to latex including banana and avocado.
Non-latex or latex-free gloves are available and are made of nitrile, neoprene or polyurethane. Vinyl gloves are useful in many circumstances, but are not viral protective; therefore do not offer appropriate protection against body fluid contact.
Prevention of Latex Allergy:
- Those people with any of the risk factors for latex allergy, such as atopy, dermatitis, or frequent exposure to latex gloves, need to be aware of the possibility of latex allergy. They should always try to wear the non-powdered variety.
- If they have several of the risk factors for latex allergy, then wearing of non-latex gloves would be prudent .
- Workers such as food handlers and hairdressers should not wear latex gloves at all and should choose an alternative.
What if I have, or think I have, latex allergy?
Early diagnosis is very important, as the more you come in contact with latex, the more severe the allergic reactions will become. So if you think you may be allergic, see your doctor.
Unfortunately there is no cure, so it is up to you to avoid latex at work, home and elsewhere. Following is a list of common latex-containing products and some alternatives, but remember, it is not possible to list everything, and manufacturers change the contents of their products frequently, so check with them if you're not sure.
Finally, people with latex allergy need to wear a medical alert bracelet, as all health care facilities use latex products, and you may not be able to tell them that you are allergic to latex.
Further information