Latex allergy is a reaction which occurs after coming into contact with the rubber protein in latex. The allergic reaction can range from a mild skin rash to a more life threatening reaction, including hives, chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
The skin rash caused by a latex allergy can either be immediate, occurring from minutes to up to two hours after exposure, or delayed, with the rash erupting six to 48 hours after contact. The immediate type of rash tends to include hives, or a red, raised, swollen, itchy rash. The delayed type is also itchy, but may also include blisters, pimples, crusting and scales.
Multiple Surgeries
Anyone can develop an allergy to latex, however the risk is highest in those with the most frequent exposure to latex. It is thought that the more frequent the exposure to latex, the higher the probability of developing this allergy. Because all medical personnel are required to wear gloves and much medical equipment contains latex, frequent surgical procedures means frequent contact with latex. Those who are born with a certain type of birth defect called spina bifida are at the highest risk due to the large number of surgeries and procedures done early in life. Even in children without spina bifida, each surgery done can increase the risk of latex allergy by 13 times. To decrease this risk, many medical centers now supply non-latex gloves and equipment.
Occupational Exposure
The second highest risk of developing latex allergy is found in health care workers, particularly in those who wear gloves regularly. Laboratory employees and operating room personnel are at high risk simply due to the time they spend wearing gloves. These employees may notice itchy, red, scaly hands and wrists. The rash will continue until the switch to a non-latex glove is made. In addition, those employed in the rubber industry are also at high risk of developing a rash, simply due to the frequent handling of the latex.
Underlying Allergies
People who have dry, cracked hands, such as those with eczema, may be more susceptible to latex allergy because the latex can penetrate into the skin more easily. Also, those with eczema may simply be more predisposed to allergies. In addition, some food allergies have been linked to latex allergy. People with allergies to avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, apples, carrots, celery, potatoes and others may cross-react to latex. The exact link between the latex allergy and the food allergies is unknown.
References
- Taylor JS, Erkek E. Latex allergy: diagnosis and management. Dermatol Ther 2004;17(4):289-301
- Bernardini R, et al. Prevalence of and risk factors for latex sensitization in patients with spina bifida. J Urol. 1998;160(5):1775-1778
