Content
Latex allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system that can happen in some people when they come into contact with this material, which is a substance that is present in materials made of rubber, such as gloves, balloons or condoms, for example, causing changes on the skin of the region of the body that came into contact with the material.
A simple way to test if you are allergic to latex is to cut a finger off a latex glove and then put that piece of glove on your finger for about 30 minutes. After that time, it should be noted whether any of the typical allergy symptoms have appeared, such as redness and swelling.
When you are allergic to latex, the ideal is to avoid prolonged contact with objects that are made of this type of material.
Main symptoms of allergy
Symptoms of latex allergy in most cases are felt at the site of the skin that has been in direct contact with the product. Thus, some symptoms may be:
- Dry and rough skin;
- Itching and redness;
- Swelling of the affected region.
In addition, it is also common for the person with allergy to have red eyes, a feeling of irritated nose and runny nose, due to the allergic reaction that can end up affecting the whole body a little.
Generally, anyone who is allergic to latex is also allergic to foods such as avocado, tomato, kiwi, fig, papaya, papaya, walnut and banana.In addition, it is also common to have allergies to dust, pollen and animal hair.
How to confirm allergy
To confirm the diagnosis, in addition to assessing the symptoms and checking the health history, the doctor may also order some blood tests to assess the presence of some specific types of antibodies. Learn more about tests to identify allergies.
Who is more likely to have this allergy?
Anyone can develop sensitivity or allergy to latex, but some people are more likely to be nurses and doctors who contact daily with gloves and personal protective equipment with latex.
In addition, gardeners, cooks, beauty and construction professionals also frequently contact this material and therefore are also more likely to develop the problem.
What to do if you are allergic to latex?
People with a latex allergy should, whenever possible, avoid contact with this type of material, especially for long periods, giving preference to equipment that is made of other materials such as polyethylene or polyvinyl gloves, for example. In the case of condoms, you should choose a latex-free condom, which is sold in pharmacies.
In addition, in cases where there is a more severe reaction to latex, the doctor may also prescribe some corticosteroids and antihistamines to relieve symptoms whenever they appear.
Main products with latex
Some products that contain latex and should therefore be avoided by those with allergies include:
- Surgical and cleaning gloves;
- Flexible rubber toys;
- Party balloons;
- Condoms;
- Bottle nipples;
- Pacifiers.
In addition, some types of sneakers and gym clothes may also contain latex.
Ideally, you should always read the product label to see if it contains latex. Generally, latex free products have a label stating they are "latex free" or "latex free"
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY. Latex Allergy. Available in: . Accessed on 08 May 2020
- ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA. Latex Allergy. Available in: . Accessed on 08 May 2020
- GOSH NHS. Latex allergy. Available in: . Accessed on 08 May 2020