What is it about ?
Latex allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs after contact with products containing latex, such as rubber gloves, condoms, balloons, soft dolls, and rubber objects. It is important to report this allergy to the healthcare professionals who take care of you, for example if you need to have an operation.
Where and how often?
Latex allergy affects 1 in 1,000 people. This problem occurs much more often in healthcare professionals (up to 1 in 10 people). Latex allergy is more common in people who already have other allergies, such as food allergies (mainly fruits and vegetables) and hand eczema. Other risk groups are people who often wear cleaning gloves and those who have had multiple procedures (eg for spina bifida), especially during childhood.
How to recognize it?
The allergic reaction is triggered by direct contact with latex on the skin or mucous membranes. The most common symptoms are itching, eczema of the hands, itchy eyes, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Although rare, the situation can be fatal.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is made after a skin allergy test (prick test). This is the best test to diagnose the condition. A blood test is also performed. Exposure testing is done in the hospital in a controlled environment.
What can you do ?
It is recommended to avoid as much as possible contact with products containing latex. Healthcare professionals and their direct colleagues should wear specifically adapted gloves.
What can your doctor do?
If symptoms are present, the doctor will prescribe an antihistamine. In case of eczema, a cortisone cream can calm the itching.
Want to know more?
- Allergological assessment (patch tests or prick tests), here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- The skin allergy test explained to children and in pictures – plaster
- Antihistamines – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Corticosteroids for the skin – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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