Disease: Allergy to Natural Rubber (Latex)

What Happens During a Latex Reaction?

There are three types of latex reactions:

  • Irritant contact dermatitis. The least threatening type of latex reaction, classified as a non-allergenic skin reaction. It usually occurs as a result of repeated exposure to chemicals in latex gloves and results in dryness, itching, burning, scaling, and lesions of the skin.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis. A delayed reaction to additives used in latex processing, which results in the same type of reactions as irritant contact dermatitis (dryness, itching, burning, scaling, and lesions of the skin). The reaction, though, is more severe, spreads to more parts of the body, and lasts longer.
  • Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity). The most serious reaction to latex. It can show up as rhinitis with hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (pink eye), cramps, hives, and severe itching. It is rare, but symptoms may progress to include rapid heartbeat, tremors, chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, or potentially, death.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

Who Is Affected By Latex Allergies?

Other than health care workers, people at increased risk for developing latex allergies include those who have:

  • A defect in their bone marrow cells
  • A deformed bladder or urinary tract
  • A history of multiple surgeries
  • A urinary catheter, which has a rubber tip
  • Allergy, asthma, or eczema
  • Food allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwis, or chestnuts

Rubber industry workers and condom users are also at increased risk for developing a latex allergy.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

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