Around 50 million people in the US experience one or more types of allergies each year. So, it’s no wonder allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illnesses in the nation.
Food allergies are the most common, followed by allergic rhinitis and skin allergies. Others also have allergies to molds, medications, and insect bites.
While not as prevalent, there are also individuals with latex allergies. About 4.3% of the general population experiences adverse reactions to latex contact. However, its prevalence goes up in people who have more frequent exposure to the material.
Unfortunately, allergies to latex can cause the same severe reactions as other allergies. Worse, this material is in many items found in homes and offices and even in some food.
The good news is that you can avoid allergic reactions to latex. We’ll tell you what you need to know about latex allergy and keeping it at bay, so be sure to read on.
What Are Latex Allergies?
Latex allergies are adverse reactions to natural rubber latex. Latex, in turn, is a derivative of the rubber tree sap.
If you have a latex allergy, your skin may become itchy, swollen, or red after touching an object made of latex. The part of your skin that had direct contact with the material may also develop an itchy rash.
Hives, the medical term for which is urticaria, can also be a sign of latex allergy. These red welts on the skin can be small or large patches and may sometimes be extremely itchy. They can develop either after you touch latex or inhale latex particles.
Runny nose and sneezing can also indicate latex allergies. Itchy, watery eyes that may turn red and swollen often accompany these symptoms.
Severe reactions, including difficulty breathing, can also occur due to a latex allergy. The worst that can happen is anaphylaxis, as it can make a person unable to breathe. This is a life-threatening condition that requires medical emergency services.
Should You See a Doctor for Diagnosis?
Yes, this way, an allergist can find out if it’s latex you have allergies to or another type of allergen. The blood and skin prick tests you’ll undergo can even determine if you have other allergies. This is especially important considering that severe allergies can be fatal.
Besides, if you know what can trigger your allergies, you can better avoid or minimize your risks.
How Can You Prevent Allergic Reactions to Latex?
There is no cure for latex allergy, so avoiding latex sources is the best way to keep it at bay. This starts with the identification and recognition of objects that may contain latex. By knowing if something contains latex, you can avoid it so that you don’t have to deal with reactions.
Some of the everyday household items that contain latex are the following:
- Rubber bands and balloons
- Condoms, bandages, and latex (or rubber) gloves
- Diapers and sanitary napkins
- Elasticized clothing and shoe soles
- Children’s toys, baby-bottle nipples, and pacifiers
- Latex paint
Some people with food allergies may also develop latex allergies. This may have to do with the proteins found in some food that are present in latex too. Avocadoes, bananas, and chestnuts are some examples.
What Are Available Latex Alternatives?
Fortunately, there are many, including cotton, nylon, Lycra Spandex, nitrile, and polyisoprene. These materials, on their own, don’t contain latex.
Cotton, nylon, and Lycra Spandex are fabrics often used for clothing. However, some products, such as underwear, may still have latex in their waist elastic. So, when you shop for gartered fabrics, be sure its label or tag says it’s “latex-free.”
There are also latex-free baby-bottle nipples, pacifiers, and children’s toys. Switch to these if your little one has tested positive for latex allergies.
As for food and medical-grade gloves, some manufacturers have rolled out nitrile collections. Nitrile gloves consist of synthetic rubber, so they’re an alternative to latex gloves. You can also find latex-free vinyl gloves, which are less durable than nitrile but cost less.
If you or your partner has allergies to latex condoms, consider polyisoprene condoms. Like nitrile, polyisoprenes are also a form of synthesized rubber. Moreover, they offer the same degree of protection for pregnancy and STD as the latex ones.
Another alternative to latex in condoms is polyurethane. Instead of natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane condoms consist of thin plastic. They’re as protective as the rubber condoms, but they may not be as tight.
What Else Can You Do to Protect Yourself From Latex Allergies?
Keep in mind that latex allergy symptoms can occur even without direct exposure. An example is if you inhale the powder used in latex gloves. This can already trigger your immune system to react to the latex-containing powder.
For that reason, always tell medical or healthcare providers about your condition. This way, they won’t use latex gloves and other rubber-based equipment on you. Do the same whenever you eat at a restaurant so that the cook or chef won’t prepare your dish with latex gloves.
Make sure you also avoid places with latex-painted walls. This is crucial if you’re buying a new house, renting a new apartment, or booking a hotel or Airbnb. After all, you’d be spending a lot of time in these places, which can put you at significant risk of reactions.
It’s also wise to wear a medical band indicating you have latex allergies.
An epinephrine kit can also be a life-saver, especially if you’re at risk of severe reactions. It’s an injectable medication that can slow or stop allergic reactions. Just make sure you carry the kit with you at all times.
Don’t Make Hives Make You Want to Hide
One last thing to note is that latex allergies can worsen if you ignore the signs and keep using latex items. So, even if your symptoms are mild, discontinue the use of products that contain this material. Otherwise, the slightly itchy red welts you develop may become even more dangerous.
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