MMC Healthworks (tm): Health Information

Who's at risk?
Workers who routinely use latex gloves or other products are at particular risk. They include health care professionals, painters, food handlers, housekeepers, plant workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, funeral home employees and others. Children and adults who have had frequent surgeries are repeatedly exposed to latex products, which puts them at risk for latex allergy. People who have asthma, hay fever and other allergies also are at higher risk.

What types of allergic reactions occur?
The reactions may be characterized as:

Are these reactions serious?
Irritant contact dermatitis is a non-allergic condition in which the skin becomes red, dry, and crusty. Symptoms typically go away when the source of the irritation - the latex - is removed. Allergic contact dermatitis is a localized allergic skin reaction that generally appears within two days of contact with latex. The affected skin is usually red with an itchy rash that resembles poison ivy. Neither of these reactions is life-threatening.

A Type I allergic reaction requires prompt medical treatment in people who are sensitive to latex. It generally occurs in those who have had frequent or long-term exposure.

This type of reaction affects the entire body. Symptoms generally occur within a few minutes to one hour after exposure. Serious symptoms include an increased pulse rate, decreased blood pressure, and difficulty breathing, which may quickly become life threatening. Other problems may include confusion, swelling, itchy eyes, runny nose and a rash.

For some patients, physicians prescribe an injectable form of epinephrine that can be self administered if a reaction occurs. Patients should wear an allergy alert bracelet, and parents of children with latex allergies should notify schools, day care centers, etc., of the problem.

What types of products contain latex?
Latex is a milky fluid found in a certain type of tropical tree. It can be combined with other products to make such items as balloons, rubber toys, baby bottle nipples, pacifiers, rubber bands, gloves, waistbands, and disposable diapers. There are other products that are made with hard rubber, such as tires, rubber balls, athletic shoes, that do not tend to cause allergies in most people. Not all latex is made from natural sources. Latex paint is man-made or synthetic and is not likely to cause allergic reactions because it is not used on the skin and does not contain the natural material. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that people with suspected latex allergy avoid all latex products because of the potential for life threatening symptoms. That is easier said than done, however, because latex is found in so many products.

What should you do if you suspect you're allergic to latex?
See your doctor. There are two types of testing that can be done to verify a latex allergy. If you have an allergy, there are several things you can do to reduce your chance of a reaction:

Reduce your exposure. Research and be familiar with products that contain latex. Most latex products have appropriate alternatives.
Talk to your employer. Your employer should be able to reduce your exposure to latex products at work.
Tell your health care professionals and others. This includes doctors, dentists, and nurses. Also be sure to tell hair dressers and restaurant workers.
Choose alternative gloves. If you must wear gloves, choose latex free or synthetic gloves.
Avoid inhaling latex. Avoid areas where workers are wearing latex gloves, especially those gloves with cornstarch powder that can transport latex particles through the air.
Wear a medical alert bracelet. Identify that you are allergic to latex.
Hypoallergenic does not mean latex free. Hypoallergenic products usually contain fewer chemicals that were combined with the latex to make the product.
Carry medication if indicated. Epinephrine shots can stop severe reactions. If your doctor prescribes an epinephrine shot to be self administered if needed, keep the medication in an area that is easily accessible.