| Latex Allergy FAQs |
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| What is Latex Allergy? |
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Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. The amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms.
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| Symptoms of Latex Allergy |
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Symptoms of latex allergy can include skin redness, rash, itching, swelling, runny nose, or asthmatic symptoms after contact with latex gloves, or after contact with latex items such as balloons. More severe reactions can include: nausea or vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal cramps; hives; swelling of the lips, shortness of breath or breathing difficulty, and low blood pressure. Severe symptoms can be life threatening, and must be treated as a medical emergency. Unfortunately, individuals might not be aware that they are latex allergic until they begin having serious reactions. Individuals who are sensitized to latex can develop cross-reactions to foods such as bananas, avocados, kiwis, and chestnuts, all having a similar protein molecular structure as latex.
In sensitized persons, symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, hives, or itching. more severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma. Rarely, shock may occur; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy.
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| Types of Latex Reactions |
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Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common reaction to latex products. Symptoms include dry, itchy, irritated skin, usually on the hands. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by glove use, and can also be the result of exposure to products and chemicals found in the workplace or at home. Repeated hand washing & drying, the use of cleaners & sanitizers, and exposure to glove powders may also contribute to this reaction. This type of reaction is not a true allergy, and can result from the use of non-latex gloves as well as latex gloves.
Allergic contact dermatitis (Type IV delayed hypersensitivity, sometimes called chemical sensitivity dermatitis) is an immune response to chemicals added to latex in the glove manufacturing. This is a T-cell mediated reaction in which the chemicals penetrate and bind to the skin. Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include a red irritated skin reaction similar to poison oak or poison ivy rash. While the rash is commonly in the area that has been in contact with the gloves, in severe cases it can be more widespread. The rash usually begins between 8 to 48 hours after contact.
Latex Allergy (Type I Hypersensitivity, immediate hypersensitivity, IgE antibody-mediated allergy, also referred to as "True" Latex Allergy) is an immune system reaction to latex proteins found in latex products, and is the most serious reaction to latex. Exposures to even very low levels of the proteins can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitized individuals. Latex proteins can be absorbed directly through the skin, or through inhalation. The proteins become airborne when they stick to the powder used to make it easier to put on the gloves therefore powdered latex gloves cause the most problems for those who are allergic.
In people who have a latex allergy symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be mild to very severe. Mild reactions include skin redness where gloves contact the skin, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma. The most serious reaction to latex exposure is anaphylactic shock which causes a drop in blood pressure,difficulty breathing, itching, and swelling. Anaphylactic shock is life threatening. Life-threatening reactions are seldom the first sign of latex allergy but reactions can become progressively worse with repeated exposure. What may look like a simple hand rash could lead to a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Once sensitized, individuals may react to very small exposures.
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| Diagnosing Latex Allergy |
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Persons with a history of allergies, hayfever, eczema, asthma, genitourinary tract abnormalities, spina bifida, or multiple surgical procedures are at increased risk for latex allergy. Workers who wear latex gloves for daily work are also at increased risk. Anyone having symptoms, mild or severe, should see a health practitioner familiar with Latex Allergy, such as an allergist/immunologist. An allergist can confirm a diagnosis and discuss management strategies. To find an allergist/immunologist, or learn more about latex allergy, visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org
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| Managing and Preventing Latex Allergy |
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The only effective treatment for true latex allergy is to avoid products containing latex. This can be very difficult because many products in everyday use have latex in them. Thus, it is best to prevent latex allergy before it begins to develop. The most effective prevention measure is to not use powdered or unpowdered latex gloves. Some people with Type IV allergies (contact dermatitis, delayed hypersensitivity) find that allergy medicines are useful in reducing minor or early symptoms.
Proper medical diagnosis is essential when any of the symptoms listed in this article are experienced in relation to glove use. The correct diagnosis will help effected individuals know what precautions they need to take in their daily lives. It's important to know whether the symptoms are actually associated with a specific type of allergy. Even minor symptoms that are consistently related to latex glove use should be evaluated, because symptoms may progress over time and with repeated exposure.
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| Using Latex Alternatives |
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Fortunately, Latex Allergy is highly preventable. The use of alternative glove materials prevents exposure to latex allergens, and thus halts the progression of symptoms. Many types of non-latex gloves are manufactured that offer reliable protection, good hand dexterity, fit, comfort, and are cost effective. Examples of latex alternatives include nitrile, neoprene, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane. There are no generic preferences or recommendations that can be stated regarding glove selection. Gloves need to be appropriately selected depending on procedures or tasks being performed; level of risk exposure (low risk vs high risk); frequency and duration of exposure; and for the person(s) wearing, or coming into contact with the gloves. This type of information is available from glove manufacturers, suppliers, health and safety personnel, and the web.
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| The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Medical Gloves |
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The Food and Drug Administration is currently working on regulation that will classify all medical gloves as Class II Medical Devices. This will enable the FDA to set maximum limits on the amounts of powder and extractable protein that latex medical gloves can contain. It's anticipated that the final FDA rule will set limits of 120 milligrams of powder, and 1,200 micrograms of extractable protein per glove. It will be important for glove manufacturers and suppliers to be familiar with these standards, and to have this type of information available for customers.
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