Latex Allergy: Care Instructions (2024)

FAQs

Latex Allergy: Care Instructions? ›

Avoid direct contact with latex gloves and other latex-containing products if you develop symptoms of latex allergy, until you can see a doctor. Avoid touching, using, or being near latex-containing products. Avoid areas where latex is likely to be inhaled (for example, where powdered latex gloves are being used).

Avoid direct contact with latex gloves and other latex-containing products if you develop symptoms of latex allergy, until you can see a doctor. Avoid touching, using, or being near latex-containing products. Avoid areas where latex is likely to be inhaled (for example, where powdered latex gloves are being used).

If you've had a severe allergic reaction to latex, you may need to carry injectable epinephrine with you at all times. If you have an anaphylactic reaction, you will need to go to the emergency room for an immediate injection of adrenaline, also known as epinephrine.

Many products are made from latex, including dummies for babies, rubber bands, balloons, shoe soles, condoms, gloves, catheters and stethoscopes. Repeated exposure to latex can increase the immune system response, so avoidance is the best way to manage latex allergy.

Are latex mattresses really problematic for people with latex allergies? The answer is: typically, and thankfully, no. Numerous scientific show that the latex used in nearly all bedding products will not cause a reaction.

Some patients may have a delayed response and not show any signs or symptoms for one to three days after exposure. Contact dermatitis developed due to exposure to latex can take weeks to resolve.

Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to an allergen. They can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with a latex allergy including sneezing, itching, hives, and nasal congestion.

If you have a latex allergy, your body mistakes latex for a harmful substance. Latex allergy may cause itchy skin and hives or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause throat swelling and severe difficulty breathing.

How do you live with latex allergy? ›

Stay away from areas at work where latex is used. Wear a medical alert bracelet so that others know you are allergic to latex, in case you have a medical emergency. Before eating at a restaurant, ask if food handlers wear latex gloves when handling or preparing food.

This association of latex allergy and allergy to plant-derived foods is called latex-fruit syndrome. An increasing number of plant sources, such as avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, peach, tomato, potato and bell pepper, have been associated with this syndrome.

Latex Allergy is a condition that completely differs from latex sensitivity as an allergy involves an immune system response. This condition is not caused by dry skin by rather just coming into contact with a product that contains latex.

Immediate latex allergy precautions include:

Ensure latex gloves are not stocked in the area. In the unlikely event that latex gloves are present replace with: Non sterile latex free examination gloves where exposure to blood or body fluids are anticipated should be worn to protect the staff member.

Use appropriate gloves for latex-sensitive employees. Among the alternatives are synthetic, low protein, and powder-free gloves. Powder-free gloves may reduce systemic allergic responses.

Reactions to latex can range from mild to severe and can even be fatal. If you or someone you know have severe swelling or can't breathe, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Latex allergy may cause itchy skin and hives or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause throat swelling and severe difficulty breathing. Your health care provider can determine if you have a latex allergy or if you're at risk of developing a latex allergy.