Latex Allergies

Latex is a milk-like fluid that is obtained from the rubber tree. It is used in the manufacture a big range of useful items. It consists of sugars, nucleic acid, lipids, and proteins due to which it can be very allergic. Latex allergy happens commonly to children as well as adults. The exposure to latex can lead to many skin problems and syndromes. These syndromes are namely, irritant dermatitis, contact dermatitis and immediate hypersensitivity. Irritant dermatitis occurs as a skin disruption and rashes. The cause may be the rubbing of latex-made gloves. It might not be due to allergy and is often confused with a case of hypersensitivity.

The symptoms of contact dermatitis show in a day or two after the exposure to latex. They may lead to further infections. Immediate hypersensitivity due to the reaction of latex proteins can lead to serious issues. Latex allergy is caused as a result of exposure of skin, bloodstream or mucous membrane to latex. Inhalation of latex-containing particles also causes exposure. The symptoms may be range from urticaria, rhinitis, hypotension, skin edema, dyspnea, cramps in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, bronchial problems to serious anaphylaxis. They generally, occur minutes after exposure and can extremely be fatal if not given timely aid.

Latex allergy is seen to be prevalent among people suffering from spina bifida. The allergy may also be due to genetic reasons. People who had undergone too many surgeries or those who had been facing too many medical exposures may also get sensitive to latex and begin to show allergic symptoms. Those suffering from cerebral palsy and are mentally retarded, are very likely to develop this kind of allergy. Apart from these, people who are already allergic to fruits like avocado, kiwi, banana, peach and papaya are more prone to latex allergy. Some common latex-made items that are major sources of latex allergy are medical instruments like gloves, stethoscopes, catheters and other items like goggles, balloons, erasers, soles of the shoes, pacifiers, nipples of baby-feeders and many more.