Allergy from Latex – Symptoms and Treatment

Rubber is quite a significant substance that we use, knowing or unknowingly, in many forms every day of our lives. Rubber is a processed form of natural latex sap in rubber trees grown in tropical regions. The sap is collected, processed, and packaged to be sold in various shapes, sizes, and forms. Gloves, toys, rubber bands, adhesives, and condoms are some common forms in which we use rubbers daily.

In fact, due to the properties of rubber, it is also used in many surgical and dental equipment. Though there are non-latex substitutes for almost all this equipment, latex materials are more durable and comfortable.

Rubber is made up of proteins, and this protein does not always suit everyone. A lot of people suffer from an allergy to latex.

Latex Allergies: Science Behind the Reaction

Latex allergy happens due to the immune system’s reaction to proteins found in natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex is taken from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. It is used in medical and commercial products. Gloves, balloons, and certain medical devices are made out of it. When a person suffering from latex allergy comes into contact with these products containing the substance, their immune system thinks of latex proteins as harmful invaders. Allergens from natural rubber latex cause both type I IgE-mediated and type IV hypersensitivity reactions. (Source)

On further exposures, immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies identify the latex proteins and trigger the release of histamines that lead to allergic symptoms. The symptoms range from mild skin irritations and can also lead to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. People allergic to latex can also have allergic symptoms with fruits like tomatoes, bananas, avocados, chestnuts, peaches, potatoes, bell peppers, and kiwi, as these fruits have proteins similar to latex. Approximately 30-50% of people suffering from latex allergy are allergic to these fruits. (Source)

Allergens in Latex

Allergens found in latex and their symptoms:

Latex allergy symptoms

It varies from person to person and usually depends upon the degree and extent of the allergic reaction. Some people may have latex allergy symptoms as minor as sneezing, while others may experience an anaphylactic shock. This shock can be severe, often requiring hospitalization and immediate attention.

The stretchier a rubber product, the more protein is present. Products like rubber gloves and condoms, made of thin rubber and pretty flexible, may cause an allergy to latex. Things made from hardened latex never cause as severe allergies as thin, stretchy ones. Some of the thin rubber materials, like gloves, are coated with cornstarch, which carries the protein of the latex into the air, causing airborne allergy from latex. Whenever such cornstarch-coated latex materials are used repeatedly, the airborne latex particles are more in quantity, causing severe allergic reactions.

People who work in industries where rubber is extensively used, and health care practitioners show a higher incidence of allergy to latex. People with various food allergies and those who’ve had several surgeries may also experience latex allergy.

Some common latex allergy symptoms are irritation in the eyes with the eyes turning red and watery, frequent itching in the throat and eyes, running nose or nasal congestion, hives and rashes, elevated palpitation and shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Local symptoms like sores and rashes on the skin where the latex material was worn can also be experienced. The severe allergy can cause dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and a weak pulse.