Latex Allergy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A latex allergy

is an immune system reaction to the protein in rubber latex. Latex gloves and other latex products contain this protein. You may have a reaction if you touch or breathe in the protein. A latex allergy may begin as a mild skin reaction and become worse each time you are exposed. Repeated exposure to latex may lead to a severe allergy to latex and can be life-threatening.

Common signs and symptoms:

You may have symptoms only where latex has touched you. You may have more severe symptoms that include areas of your body not exposed to latex. Any of the following may develop from minutes up to 48 hours after exposure to latex:

• Itching or burning skin
• Bumps, sores, blisters, or a skin rash
• Cracking, peeling, or flaking skin
• Tingling in your mouth
• Facial swelling, especially around your eyes
• Dizziness or fast heart rate
• Chest or throat tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as the following:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling in your mouth or throat
  • Wheezing
  • Skin itching, a rash, hives
  • Feeling like you are going to faint

Seek care immediately if:

• You feel warm and flushed.
• You have a fast heartbeat.
• You have wheezing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.

Call your doctor if:

• Your symptoms have not gone away within 2 weeks.
• You have new symptoms.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Steps to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Immediately give 1 shot of epinephrine only into the outer thigh muscle.
• Leave the shot in place as directed. Your healthcare provider may recommend you leave it in place for up to 10 seconds before you remove it. This helps make sure all of the epinephrine is delivered.
• Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), even if the shot improved symptoms. Do not drive yourself. Bring the used epinephrine shot with you.

Treatment

depends on how severe your reaction was and if you had anaphylaxis before. You may need any of the following:

• Antihistamines treat the symptoms of a mild latex allergy, such as a rash or hives.
• Epinephrine is medicine used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Xyzal
• loratadine
• hydroxyzine
• levocetirizine
• Zyrtec

View more treatment options

Know which products contain latex:

Latex is used to make many rubber products found in homes, hospitals, schools, and the workplace. Avoid contact with products that may contain latex:

• Gloves, tape, bandages, and tourniquets
• Medical tubes, rubber injection ports, plunger tips, and medicine bottles with rubber tops
• Face masks, breathing tubes, and other respiratory equipment
• Bite blocks used during dental visits
• Certain clothing items that contain elastic, such as bras, shoes, belts, and suspenders
• Foam pillows, carpet backing, golf or tennis grips, and garden hoses
• Condoms, diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, and female sanitary pads
• Diapers, bottle nipples, and pacifiers

Safety precautions to take if you are at risk for anaphylaxis:

• Keep 2 shots of epinephrine with you at all times. You may need a second shot, because epinephrine only works for about 20 minutes and symptoms may return. Your healthcare provider can show you and family members how to give the shot. Check the expiration date every month and replace it before it expires.
• Create an action plan. Your provider can help you create a written plan that explains the allergy and an emergency plan to treat a reaction. The plan explains when to give a second epinephrine shot if symptoms return or do not improve after the first. Give copies of the action plan and emergency instructions to family members, work and school staff, and daycare providers. Show them how to give a shot of epinephrine.
• Carry medical alert identification. Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you have a latex allergy. Ask your provider where to get these items.
• Tell all healthcare providers about your latex allergy. This includes dentists, nurses, doctors, and surgeons.
• Keep a supply of nonlatex gloves. Use vinyl or synthetic gloves if you need to wear gloves. Keep a supply of these nonlatex gloves in your house and car.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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