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Golisano Children's Hospital / Pediatric Allergy/Immunology / Latex Allergy

Latex Allergy

Natural rubber latex is a milky fluid found in rubber trees. There is a protein in the fluid that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Common products made using this natural rubber latex include gloves, condoms, rubber bands, and balloons.

There are two types of latex allergy. One type can cause a reaction right away. For example, it's like what someone with a peanut allergy may have after eating a peanut. The other type is much more common. It causes a delayed skin rash 1 to 3 days after exposure. This is similar to a reaction that often occurs after you have been exposed to poison ivy.

Causes of a Latex Allergy

An allergy is an extreme sensitivity to a certain substance (allergen). Latex protein is the allergen that causes a latex allergy. People with a latex allergy have a reaction when latex comes in contact with their skin, or with mucous membranes (such as the nostrils, mouth, or rectum), or the bloodstream (during surgery). For example, some people may react when blowing up a rubber balloon or breathing in powder from the inside of latex gloves.

Those at Risk of a Latex Allergy

People who have frequent exposure to latex have a higher risk of developing a latex allergy. They include:

  • People who have had many surgeries
  • Healthcare providers
  • People who work in the rubber industry

People who have allergies to certain foods may also have a latex allergy. These foods include:

  • Bananas
  • Avocados
  • Chestnuts
  • Kiwi
  • Passion fruit
  • Papaya
  • Figs
  • Peaches
  • Tomatoes
  • White potato
  • Bell pepper
  • Celery

Symptoms of a Latex Allergy

The symptoms of a latex allergy are:

  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • A runny nose or sneezing
  • Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
  • Raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin (hives)
  • A skin rash that occurs after the skin comes in contact with latex

In some cases, a severe or life-threatening reaction can happen. This is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms may include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue

Call 911 right away for symptoms of anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction needs emergency treatment right away.

Diagnosing a Latex Allergy

Your doctor will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. You may also have blood tests.

Treating a Latex Allergy

Your doctor may give you certain medicines to ease your symptoms. They may prescribe epinephrine, such as an epinephrine autoinjector or nasal spray, to treat anaphylaxis. The only way to treat or prevent this type of allergy is to stay away from items with latex. Products that may have latex include:

  • Balloons
  • Balls
  • Pacifiers and bottle nipples
  • Condoms and diaphragms
  • Rubber bands
  • Raincoats and rain boots
  • Erasers
  • Elastic in clothing

Medical supplies can also have latex in them. These include:

  • Surgical and exam gloves
  • I.V. tubing injection sites
  • Catheters
  • Bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Electrode pads
  • Blood pressure cuffs
  • Tourniquets
  • Stethoscopes
  • Wheelchair tires

There are items that can be used in place of these items. They are made from vinyl, plastic, or silicone. 

Possible Complications of a Latex Allergy

The main complication of a latex allergy is anaphylaxis. It’s a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. It needs emergency treatment right away.

Managing a Latex Allergy

Here are some tips for coping with your latex allergy:

  • Try to stay away from all latex products. Read labels, and use items that don’t have latex in them. Don't assume that "hypoallergenic" products don't have latex in them.
  • If you need surgery or a procedure, talk with your doctor about what you can do to prevent exposure and reactions to latex.
  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace with information about your allergy.
  • Carry a pair of non-latex gloves with you (such as nitrile gloves), information about latex allergies, or a note from your doctor.
  • Check that health and school records have a latex allergy alert.
  • Tell restaurants about your latex allergy. Some food handlers will use latex gloves to prepare foods. This can be a hidden cause of latex allergy exposures and reactions.
  • Ask your doctor about how to use epinephrine. Carry two epinephrine doses with you at all times.
  • Know what to do if an emergency occurs.