According to a review by Maureen Gavin and Paul J. Patti published in the April 27, 2009 issue of "Home Healthcare Nurse," and the review done by Tara Keen and Mary McNally published in the May 2009 issue of the "Journal of the Canadian Dental Association," latex allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins and chemicals found in natural rubber latex products such as gloves. Children and adults receiving home health care are at risk for developing a latex allergy, as are health-care workers, including dentists.
Latex Allergies and Reactions
According to "Home Healthcare Nurse," there are five ways the body absorbs latex proteins: skin absorption, inhalation, ingestion of food that was prepared using latex gloves, mucosal absorption, and intravenous absorption. And, says the "Journal of the Canadian Dental Association," reaction to latex is a progressive allergy; each exposure increases the sensitization to latex and ultimately the risk for serious allergic reactions.
According to those two journals, allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by latex gloves. The hands become red and irritated and blisters with itching and oozing lesions may occur 24 to 72 hours after the use of latex gloves. The skin may break, allowing latex particles or proteins to enter the body and cause reactions such as hives and welts, flushing, sneezing, rhinitis, headache, red, itchy eyes, sore throat, wheezing, or asthma. It also can progress quickly to an anaphylactic reaction with bronchial and tracheal swelling. These reactions are unpredictable and there is no way of knowing how or when the reaction will progress.
The journals also say anyone who experiences these symptoms should be evaluated by a health-care professional and an allergist. Once clinical allergy symptoms occur, there is no cure or desensitization available. A diagnosis of a latex allergy is made using a combination of the results from the medical history, physical exam, detailed exposure history, and diagnostic tests.
Why has the Prevalence of Latex Allergies Increased?
According to "Home Healthcare Nurse," the increase in the prevalence of latex allergy in recent years may be due to two factors. First is a change in the composition of the glove powders from heavy talc to a lighter cornstarch. The second is the implementation of universal precautions, which promoted the increased use of latex gloves with the recognition of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a result, the frequency of latex exposure to health-care workers increased dramatically.
Factors Associated with Increased Risks
The journals say a number of factors are associated with increased risk of latex allergy; family history of allergy, history of irritant or allergic eczema, hay fever, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, history of multiple surgeries or multiple allergies and allergic reactions to medications. People who are allergic to banana, avocado, kiwi, and chestnuts are more likely to be allergic to latex.
Prevention and Treatment
Suitable substitutions for latex include vinyl, neoprene, and nitrile gloves. All latex-containing consumer products and medical equipment need to be replaced with alternative nonlatex items. A referral to an allergist experienced in dealing with latex allergy is essential. Life-long adherence to a latex-safe environment is necessary to prevent a latex allergy from escalating into a crisis situation. If early signs of sensitivity are recognized and latex avoidance precautions are initiated, the progression to an anaphylactic reaction may be avoided.
In case of an emergency
In case of an emergency, the medical staff needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a latex allergy and the emergency procedures to follow for an anaphylactic reaction. Nonlatex medical supplies and gloves must be immediately available. If the latex allergy progresses to an anaphylactic reaction it is imperative to have access to a quick acting oral antihistamine such as liquid Benadryl and autoinjection epinephrine, such as Epi-Pen. It is also imperative for persons with a latex allergy to wear a Medical Alert identification bracelet.
References
- Home Healthcare Nurse. Issues in latex allergy in children and adults receiving home healthcare. Gavin M and Patti PJ. April 27, 2009, volume 4, 231-238.
- Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. Latex hypersensitivity: a closer look at considerations for dentistry. Kean T and McNally. Volume 75, 279-282, May 2009.
