Managing latex allergies at home
Description
If you have a latex allergy, your skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose, or other moist areas) react when latex touches them. A severe latex allergy can affect breathing and cause other serious problems.
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. It is very strong and stretchy. So it is used in a lot of common household items and toys.
Alternative Names
Latex products; Latex allergy; Latex sensitivity; Contact dermatitis - latex allergy
Home Items That Might Contain Latex
Items that may contain latex include:
- Balloons
- Condoms and diaphragms
- Rubber bands
- Shoe soles
- Bandages
- Latex gloves
- Toys
- Paint
- Carpet backing
- Baby-bottle nipples and pacifiers
- Clothing, including raincoats and elastic on underwear
- Food that was prepared by someone who was wearing latex gloves
- Handles on sports rackets and tools
- Diapers, sanitary napkins, and other pads, such as Depend
- Buttons and switches on computers and other electronic devices
Other items that are not on this list could also contain latex.
Some people with latex allergy also have allergies to certain foods. These foods contain proteins that are similar to those found in latex. These foods include:
- Bananas
- Avocado
- Chestnuts
Other foods that are less strongly linked with latex allergy include:
- Kiwi
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Celery
- Melons
- Tomatoes
- Papayas
- Figs
- Potatoes
- Apples
- Carrots
Diagnosis
Latex allergy is diagnosed by how you have reacted to latex in the past. If you developed a rash or other symptoms after contact with latex, you may be allergic to latex.
Diagnosis of a latex allergy begins with a physical exam and medical history. Your health care provider may also have you do a skin or blood test to help identify your allergic triggers. Some allergy specialists (doctors called allergists) will recommend a trial of exposure to latex to confirm an allergy. This can cause severe allergic reactions and should only be done under the supervision of an allergist.
How to Avoid Latex
Always tell any provider, dentist, or person who draws blood from you that you have a latex allergy. More and more, people wear gloves in the workplace and elsewhere to protect their hands and avoid germs. Many of these gloves are not made of latex, but some are. These tips can help you avoid latex:
- If people use latex products in your workplace, tell your employer you are allergic to it. Stay away from areas at work where latex is used.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet so that others know you are allergic to latex, in case you have a medical emergency.
- Before eating at a restaurant, ask if food handlers wear latex gloves when handling or preparing food. While rare, some very sensitive people have gotten sick from food prepared by handlers wearing latex gloves. Proteins from the latex gloves can transfer to food and kitchen surfaces.
Carry a pair of vinyl or other non-latex gloves with you and have more at home. Wear them when you handle items that:
- Someone who wore latex gloves touched
- May have latex in them but you are not sure
For children who are allergic to latex:
- Make sure daycare providers, babysitters, teachers, and your children's friends and their families know that your children have latex allergies.
- Tell your children's dentists and other providers such as doctors and nurses.
- Teach your child not to touch toys and other products that contain latex.
- Choose toys that are made of wood, metal, or cloth that does not contain elastic. If you are not sure if a toy has latex, check the packaging or call the toy maker.
When to Call the Doctor
Your provider may prescribe epinephrine if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction to latex. Know how to use this medicine if you have an allergic reaction.
- Epinephrine is injected and slows down or stops allergic reactions.
- Epinephrine injectors come in packs of 2 and you should carry both at all times.
- Carry this medicine with you if you have had a severe reaction to latex in the past.
Call your provider if you think you may be allergic to latex. It is easier to diagnose a latex allergy when you are having a reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy include:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Hives
- Skin redness and swelling
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Scratchy throat
- Wheezing or coughing
If a severe allergic reaction occurs, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
- Symptoms of shock, such as shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, or weakness
References
Dinulos JGH. Contact dermatitis and patch testing. In: Habif TP, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 4.
Lemiere C, Vandenplas O. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 56.
Nadeau KC. Approach to the patient with allergic or immunologic disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 230.
Reviewed By: Deborah Pedersen, MD, MS, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
