Latex allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to natural rubber latex in products. This allergic reaction may be mild, severe or even fatal.
Because there is no cure for this condition affected people should know its symptoms and avoid contact with latex if they are observed.
Continue reading the article to learn about the symptoms of latex allergy and ways to control them.
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What is latex allergy?
Latex allergy is a reaction to natural rubber disposable latex gloves which is made from the gum of the rubber tree. Many products are made from this material, including examination gloves.
balloons, rubber bands, shoe soles, medical catheters, and condoms. People who are allergic to latex may develop an allergy by inhaling latex particles or coming in contact with it.
Also, constant contact with latex can intensify the reaction of the immune system, so the best way to control this complication is to stay away from latex.
Symptoms of latex allergy
In most cases, people who are sensitive to latex develop local symptoms. That is, the symptoms appear only in the part of the skin that has been in contact with latex. Some local reactions include:
itching;
Red;
prominence;
inflammation;
urticaria;
A rash similar to a reaction to poison ivy.
In severe cases, the whole body may become allergic. This phenomenon is more common in women who are allergic to condom latex, because the mucous membrane of the vagina absorbs latex proteins faster.
Systemic or whole body sensitivity has these symptoms:
Hives in areas that have not been in contact with latex;
inflammation in areas that have not been in contact with latex;
In rare cases, a person may go into anaphylactic shock. This reaction can be fatal and you should go to the emergency room if the following symptoms occur:
difficulty breathing;
Difficulty in swallowing;
Inflammation of the mouth and throat or face.
How common is latex allergy?
This sensitivity is a rare complication. If you are very itchy after using products containing latex, such as condoms, you may be allergic to it.
1 to 6% of Americans are allergic to latex and this statistic is higher in the medical staff, so that 8 to 12% of American medical staff are allergic to latex.
However, keep in mind that most allergies to latex develop slowly and after several years of contact. Some factors increase the possibility of latex allergy, such as:
Continuous contact with latex: Continuous contact can cause your body to overreact and become allergic. People who regularly use latex gloves are more susceptible to this allergy.
. For example, medical staff, dentists and people who work in hairdressing salons are more allergic to latex.
