The number of people with latex allergy is on the increase, due to the prevalence of latex in our everyday lives. It's found in disposable gloves, medical and dental equipment, condoms, balloons, and rubber bands, to name just a few items. Latex is produced from a milky fluid that is derived from rubber trees; many chemicals are added during its manufacture. There is also synthetic latex, which is butyl or petroleum based, but it is not thought to cause allergic reactions. It's used in things such as latex house paint.
Types of Latex Allergies:
A Type I latex allergy is an IgE antibody (immune system) response to one or more latex proteins. In this case, allergy symptoms appear almost immediately. Reactions include nasal congestion, asthma-like symptoms, hives, rash, and rare (but possibly fatal) anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include difficulty breathing, flushed skin, and a drop in blood pressure.
Allergic contact dermatitis (localized skin problem) is known as a Type IV latex reaction. It is often mistakenly considered to be an allergy to the latex (protein) itself. However, it is actually a reaction to one of the 300 chemicials used in the manufacture of latex. Symptoms can occur up to 72 hours after exposure and are not life-threatening. However, individuals with Type IV latex reactions are at risk of developing the more serious Type I. The risk can be decreased if the person's exposure to latex is reduced or eliminated. These two types of reactions are explained at: http://www.nurseweek.com/features/96-12/... A third problem, irritant dermatitis, can be caused by such things as frequent handwashing with harsh soaps and/or frequent glove changes. The resulting breaks in the skin from both allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis can allow latex proteins to enter the body, increasing the risk of Type I allergy later on.
In an effort to provide more protection against disease, the use of latex gloves by health care professionals has risen dramatically over the last decade or so. In turn, latex reactions have also increased. A key factor is the use of powdered gloves. The powder is added to the gloves to make them easier to put on and take off. However, the allergenic latex proteins attach themselves to the powder and become airborne. Therefore, a person who is not even in contact with the latex can have a serious allergic reaction. In addition, the airborne latex particles remain in the environment for an hour or more, so a person not in the room at the time the latex was in use can be affected. For these reasons, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends the use of non-powdered gloves in a position statement at http://allergy.mcg.edu/physicians/joint....
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