Latex Allergy

Types of latex reactions

Only the immediate type can cause anaphylaxis. Allergic contact dermatitis is often caused by rubber accelerators, which are also present in some synthetic rubber gloves. See contact dermatitis.

How exposure happens

• Skin contact: gloves, balloons, rubber bands, elastic, condoms
• Mucous membranes: dental dams, condoms, catheters, medical devices
• Inhalation: latex proteins stick to cornstarch powder on gloves and become airborne when gloves are removed (powdered latex gloves are now banned for medical use in the US)
• Internal exposure during surgery, which carries the highest risk of severe reactions

Who is at risk

• Healthcare workers, due to frequent glove use
• People with spina bifida and other conditions needing many surgeries or bladder catheters from early life
• Rubber industry workers
• People with other allergies, especially to certain fruits
• People with eczema on the hands

The use of non-latex gloves in healthcare has greatly reduced new cases.

Symptoms

Skin

• itching, redness and hives where latex touched
• spreading hives and swelling (angioedema)
• delayed eczema-like rash with blisters (allergic contact dermatitis)

Breathing and eyes

• sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes
• coughing, wheezing, chest tightness

Anaphylaxis

Rapid onset of breathing difficulty, throat swelling, dizziness, low blood pressure, vomiting and collapse. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.

Latex-fruit syndrome

About 30 to 50 percent of people with latex allergy react to certain foods that contain similar proteins, most often banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut. Others include passion fruit, papaya, tomato, potato and melon. Reactions range from itching of the mouth to anaphylaxis. People with latex allergy should discuss which foods to avoid with their allergist.

Diagnosis

• History: reactions to gloves, balloons, condoms or medical procedures.
• Blood test for latex-specific IgE antibodies.
• Skin prick testing with latex extract, in specialist centers.
• Patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis to rubber chemicals.
• Glove challenge test in a controlled setting when results are unclear.

Treatment

During a reaction

• Remove the source of latex.
• Mild reactions: oral antihistamines; wash the skin.
• Anaphylaxis: epinephrine injection immediately, then emergency care.
• Contact dermatitis: avoid the trigger, use moisturizers and topical steroid creams.

Long-term

• Avoid latex at home, work and in healthcare.
• Use alternatives: nitrile, vinyl or neoprene gloves; polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms; silicone catheters.
• Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you have had a systemic reaction, and know how to use it.
• Wear medical alert ID.
• Tell all healthcare providers before procedures; hospitals have latex-safe protocols.
• Workplace changes for healthcare workers, including latex-free environments.

Common latex-containing items

• household gloves and some medical gloves
• balloons
• condoms and diaphragms
• rubber bands and erasers
• elastic in clothing and some bandages
• baby bottle nipples and pacifiers (many are now silicone)
• some sports equipment grips, mats and swimming caps

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?

Symptoms include itching, redness, hives and swelling where latex touched the skin, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes, and in severe cases wheezing, throat swelling, dizziness and anaphylaxis. A delayed, eczema-like rash can also occur from rubber chemicals.

What foods should I avoid with a latex allergy?

Many people with latex allergy react to banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut, and sometimes papaya, passion fruit, tomato, potato or melon. Not everyone reacts, so ask an allergist which foods to avoid based on your history and test results.

How is latex allergy diagnosed?

An allergist takes a history of reactions and may order a blood test for latex-specific IgE antibodies or perform skin testing. Patch testing diagnoses delayed contact dermatitis from rubber chemicals. A supervised glove challenge is used when results are unclear.

Can you develop a latex allergy later in life?

Yes. Latex allergy develops after repeated exposure, so it can appear at any age, especially in healthcare workers or people who have had many medical procedures. Using non-latex products reduces the risk of becoming sensitized.