Facts About Hazardous Latex Allergies

Avoidance Is The Only Treatment

Unfortunately, there are no known preventative treatments or medications for allergies to latex. While topical antihistamines can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with latex allergies, they do not treat the root of the problem, which is the allergy itself. Severe reactions to latex sometimes require the administration of epinephrine or adrenaline to prevent anaphylaxis. The only foolproof way to avoid allergic reactions to latex is to avoid exposure to latex itself. There are many latex alternatives used to manufacture gloves, safety equipment, and even condoms. Thus, individuals who have this allergy should look to these alternatives to lead a safe and reaction-free life.

Types Of Latex Allergic Reactions

Individuals can experience three types of latex allergic reactions. The first is called irritant contact dermatitis. This reaction tends to be mild and doesn't cause potentially threatening side effects because it doesn't trigger the immune system. When individuals touch the latex, the area that came into contact with it might experience lesions, scaling, burning, itching, and dryness. With allergic contact dermatitis, patients have an allergic reaction to the additives that manufacturers use in latex processing. Individuals get the same irritating skin reactions, but they tend to be more serious and spread to more parts of the body. These reactions also last longer than irritated reactions. Immediate allergic reactions are the most serious. When these occur, affected individuals may experience hives, cramps, serious itchiness, conjunctivitis, a runny nose, and stuffy sinuses. In rare cases, these symptoms can cause patients to go into anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening if not treated immediately.