by Andy Shackcloth

Created on: March 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 19, 2009

Some allergic reactions to latex are life threatening and are now a major concern for hospitals. Any individual that repeatedly comes into contact with latex may develop an allergic condition. It is worth taking the time to teach yourself about latex allergy and its symptoms, in order to protect yourself and your family.

Human reaction to Latex or NLR (Natural Latex Rubber), as it is sometimes known, falls into three general groups.

1) Irritation

2) Type I Allergic reaction

3) Type IV Allergic reaction

The degree of the exhibited symptoms will depend on the exposure and on prior sensitisation to the reactive element(s). How much exposure to latex is required to produce sensitisation in an individual is currently unknown, but constant contact with and increased exposure to latex protein bearing substances, will increase the risk of an individual becoming allergic to Latex.

It is unfortunate that once sensitisation to the allergens has occurred, then any further contact with it, even an otherwise insignificant amount, will result in an allergenic reaction.

Irritation

This reaction is not clinically an allergenic reaction, however, the public conception of the symptoms being allergenic is common place and it would be pedantic and misguided to attempt to correct the perception.

The symptoms include:

Itching, redness, soreness, cracking or drying of any skin that is in contact or adjacent to the Latex.

Symptoms may exist some distance from the area from lubricating powders impregnated with the irritant. Once the source of irritation is removed the symptoms will disappear.

Type I Allergic reaction

This is the most severe reaction and is a true allergic response. It will happen almost immediately on contact and on very susceptible individuals can escalate into the life threatening anaphylactic shock. The allergenic agents for a type I reaction are the latex proteins that are not bound to the substance.

The symptoms include:

Dark red, raised, itchy bumps (Urticaria or Hives), this can be local or spread over a larger area.

Inflammation of the soft tissue inside the nose and can cause difficulty with breathing.

Swollen, puffy eyes. The eyes may be red and there may be some discharge.

Inflammation of breathing tracts; producing shortness of breath and symptoms similar to an Asthma attack.

Type IV Allergic reaction

This is also a true allergic response, and is caused by the chemical compounds used during processing. Also this response maybe caused by non-Latex rubber products that use the same chemical accelerators. Symptoms become apparent within 10 to 24 hours after initial contact and may take up to 72 hours to fully develop.

The symptoms include:

Normally local to the hands; dermatitis and Itching, which then develop in to red blisters and eventually may produce some discharge.

Because increased exposure to Latex also increases the risk of developing an associated allergic response, it is sensible to minimise any personal exposure even if there is no history of adverse reaction. Whenever an alternative exists it would be prudent to use it.

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