Latex is a rubber that is derived from the rubber tree found in Africa and Southeast Asia. In 1987, a movement began to take precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially the AIDS virus. This brought on the application of universal precautions for protecting the person by using protective barriers. One of these barriers was the use of latex gloves. Since 1987, there have been approximately 10 billion gloves used per year. The increase has produced a dramatic rise in allergies to latex, especially in health care workers. Estimates put this allergy at 2% of all hospital employees.
The problem with a latex allergy occurs both as a contact dermatitis and in an inhaled form. When surgical gloves are put on or taken off the hand the glove is frequently “snapped” which puts powder into the air. This powder is inhaled by the individuals who are in close proximity. The inhaled version of latex allergies can pose a serious allergic problem.
The results of the development of a latex allergy affects sufferers on almost a daily basis since latex is in many of today’s products. Only recently, with the increasing publicity and number of individuals who suffer from allergies, have products been manufactured that are latex free. Hospitals are now carrying latex free gloves to protect both their employees and their patients. Latex free balloons, condoms and Band-Aids are also available.
Symptoms of people who are allergic can be threefold. Contact dermatitis is a common reaction which isn’t an actual allergy but occurs when detergents are left on the hand and the individual sweats inside the glove. Skin will become dry, red and cracked. Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction to the latex and can cause a skin rash 24 to 48 hours after the contact. Individuals can develop oozing blisters.
A hypersensitivity and immune response is an actual allergy. This is when the immune system reacts to the proteins found in the rubber latex and can cause immediate reactions such as itching, redness, swelling, sneezing and wheezing. Exposure to airborne latex powder can result in a stuffy nose, cough, hives, watery eyes and difficulty breathing.
The most severe reaction is anaphylactic shock which can be life-threatening. This reaction develops immediately after exposure and causes airway constriction, drop in blood pressure, wheezing, slurred speech, rapid pulse and nausea and vomiting.
Some people appear to be born with a genetic predisposition, however most become inoculated with repeated exposure to latex. People at risk are healthcare workers, individuals who require frequent surgery or catheter use and workers in the manufacturer or distribution of latex. For some unknown reason individuals who have surgery on their spine or urinary tract have a much higher risk of developing latex allergy.
Thousands of different products contain rubber or latex and are found around the home; some common ones include: dish washing gloves, carpeting, balloons, hot water bottles, baby bottle nipples, disposable diapers, rubber bands, condoms, diaphragms, swim goggles and motorcycle hand grips.
Individuals who believe they have had an allergic reaction to latex, which may include itching, redness or swelling around the site where latex came in contact, should seek medical care to discuss their options with their primary care physician. Repeated exposure to products which contain latex will only increase the reaction which an individual will experience and the allergy can progress to a point where hives are generated when latex gloves are just in the general vicinity.
Individuals who know they have a latex allergy should avoid any product that might contain latex and even products that are labeled “safe latex”. There is no safe latex for individuals who suffer from this latex allergy. Minor contact dermatitis or allergic dermatitis reactions are treatable at home with anti-histamines and removal of the rotating substance. However, individuals must avoid any products in the future which may instigate a bigger response in the body.
Resources:
MayoClinic: Latex Allergy
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/latex-allergy/DS00621/DSECTION=symptoms
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Latex Allergy
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/latex-allergy.aspx
Columbia University: Latex Allergy
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/latex-allergies
American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Latex Allergy
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/default.aspx
American Family Physician: Latex Allergy
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0101/p93.html
United States Deparment of Labor: Latex Allergy
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/latex/latex.html
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