Latex Allergies – Causes and Types

Natural latex rubber (NLR) is the cloudy, white sap exuded from beneath the bark of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Synthetic latex is made from petroleum, acetylene, coal, natural gas or oil. Both natural and synthetic latex can cause allergic reactions, but since both are caused by a reaction to a different material, it’s important to know the difference.

Latex is a natural product which comes from the light milky fluid that is extracted from the rubber tree. This milky fluid is often modified during the manufacturing process to form a latex mixture. A person can be allergic to the latex or the mixture or both. Latex-containing products are many and varied (see the list below). One of two procedures is employed during the manufacturing of the

Mild latex allergy causes symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and watery, itchy eyes. Some people develop hives, a rash, or sores on the area in contact with the latex, most commonly the hands. In more severe cases, the patient experiences a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms include sudden anxiety and weakness, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, very low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and shock. Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes and result in death. A patient in anaphylactic shock needs immediate medical treatment.

The first syndrome is irritant dermatitis. It is a result of mechanical disruption of the skin due to the rubbing of gloves and accounts for the majority of latex-induced local skin rashes. It is not immune mediated, is not associated with allergic complications, and is not the subject of this article. It may be confused with Type IV hypersensitivity. Any chronic hand dermatitis in HCWs raises the risk of nosocomial infections, including blood-borne pathogens.

There are two types of allergic reactions to latex. The first is delayed-type contact dermatitis, a poison ivy-like rash that appears 12-36 hours after contact with a latex product. This most commonly appears on the hands of people who wear latex gloves, but it may occur on other parts of the body following contact with rubber products. The prevalence of this form of latex allergy does not seem to be increasing. Contact dermatitis is usually the result of sensitization to chemicals that are added during rubber processing. While very irritating, this form of allergy is not life-threatening.

Many times people who work in the healthcare industry develop allergies from latex gloves. Since they use gloves help to fight the spread of germs and bacteria, an allergic reaction to latex can cause serious health issues, not only to the person who suffers from the allergy, but the patience's they are treating. It's important to note, in most cases contact with latex is needed to trigger a reaction. However, it is possible for latex allergies to travel through the air.

Allergic reactions to latex can range from skin redness and itching to more serious symptoms, such as hives or gastrointestinal problems. True allergic reactions to latex rarely progress to the life-threatening conditions such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing or rapid heart rate. However, if left untreated, these conditions could potentially result in death.