Latex Allergy Checklist

Natural rubber latex is a widely used extract from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. According to a 2010 review in “Allergology International,” about 1 percent of the general population has some kind of sensitivity to this substance. There is no cure for latex allergy. But sufferers can read through a checklist and adapt it to your situation in consultation with their doctor.

Get Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

According to the FamilyDoctor.org website, symptoms of latex allergy include rashes, hives, cough, runny nose, sneezing, tight-feeling chest, short breath and sometimes a life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis has symptoms like nausea, vomiting, disorientation, dizziness, weak but fast pulse, respiratory distress and fainting. The diagnosis of latex allergy is usually made on the basis of such symptoms and confirmation through a blood and/or skin prick test. Treatment usually consists of preventing latex exposure and receiving prompt emergency care if an exposure occurs. Your doctor may advise you to always carry an epinephrine or “epi” self-injection pen in case of anaphylaxis.

Plan Ahead for Emergencies

The American Latex Allergy Association's or ALAA's emergency checklist recommends wearing medical alert identification at all times, along with carrying an explanatory document from your doctor, some nonlatex gloves, and whatever drugs your doctor has prescribed for emergency use, such as an epi pen. Tell your relatives, friends and coworkers about your allergy and how and when to get help for you. Inform your local paramedics, emergency dispatchers, hospital, and all your health care professionals about your condition.

Avoid Exposures in Health Care Settings

As FamilyDoctor.org notes, routine dental and medical supplies like gloves, bandage adhesives, stethoscopes, tourniquets, catheters, root canal fillings, dental dams, blood pressure cuffs and resuscitation equipment contain latex. According to a 2010 “Allergology International” review, 17 percent of health care workers were found to be latex-sensitive because latex barriers had been so widely used to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission. People with certain chronic medical conditions like spina bifida also are also more vulnerable than the general population, especially if they have repeated medical latex exposures before their first birthdays. Sufferers should ensure health care providers, including local emergency room, have nonlatex alternatives available at all times. ALAA lists some sources of nonlatex medical and dental supplies.

Prevent Exposures at Work and School

Along with health care workers, people who often wear gloves, such as cleaners and cosmetologists, or who manufacture latex-containing products, are routinely exposed to latex. Latex is found in many everyday office and school items, including tape, putty, balloons, erasers, calculators, art supplies, mouse pads, pens, pencils and rubber bands. In the U.S., any allergy, including latex allergy, is a legally protected disability that calls for “reasonable accommodation” at work and school. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer online guidance on preventing school and work latex exposures. ALAA has a guide to nonlatex consumer products, including office and school supplies.

Avoid Emergencies at Home

ALAA’s consumer products guide identifies latex-containing household and personal products and suggests specific nonlatex options. Latex turns up in everything from Spandex clothes, drain stoppers, spatulas, balloons, pacifiers, car steering wheels, and earphones to cosmetics and sanitary pads. If you want to replace latex male condoms or diaphragms with nonallergenic barrier contraceptives, the ALAA guide lists polyurethane male and female condoms as well as a silicone diaphragm and cervical cap. Exercise caution about potentially cross-reactive houseplants and foods. You might have allergic symptoms when exposed to poinsettia, rubber tree, crown of thorns, Jacob’s coat, castor bean or chenille plants or when you eat certain plant foods including, but not limited to, banana, avocado, chestnut and kiwifruit.