Latex Allergies

Allergic sensitization and triggering of an allergic reaction may be initiated by inhalation of powder from latex gloves, or by direct skin or mucous membrane contact with the rubber.

Latex allergy is most likely to develop in potentially allergic individuals who already have evidence of other allergies. Synthetic rubber is not a problem for people allergic to natural latex.

Symptoms of Latex Allergy
Typical symptoms of latex allergy include hives, tissue swelling, itching, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing and asthma in asthmatics, throat tightening, coughing, drop in blood pressure and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.

In addition to systemic reactions, latex causes contact allergy with hives, angioedema, itching and conjunctivitis where the latex comes into contact with skin and mucous membranes.

Latex allergy develops from repeated contact with products containing latex such as gloves. This process is called sensitization. A person may initially have no problem using latex-containing products but then develop symptoms over time.

The most common type of allergy creates a red, itchy, crusty rash. It develops at the site of latex contact one to two days after exposure and does not generalize to other parts of the body. For example, the typical latex glove rash appears on the hands and stops right at the wrists.

Health Conditions