Latex allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction that can occur in some people when they come into contact with this material, which is a substance present in rubber materials, such as gloves, balloons or condoms, for example, causing skin changes. of the area of the body that has come into contact with the material.
An easy way to check if you’re 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 this period, it should be taken into account whether any of the typical allergy symptoms, such as redness and swelling, appeared.
- When you are allergic to latex.
- It is best to avoid prolonged contact with objects made of this type of material.
Latex allergy symptoms are most often felt in the place of skin that has been in direct contact with the product. Therefore, some symptoms may include:
In addition, it is also common for the allergic person to present redness of the eyes, nasal irritation and nasal dripping, due to the allergic reaction that may end up affecting the whole body a little.
Generally, anyone 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.
To confirm the diagnosis, in addition to evaluating symptoms and checking your medical history, your doctor may also order blood tests to evaluate the presence of specific types of antibodies. Learn more about allergy testing.
Anyone can develop latex sensitivity or allergy, but some people are more likely to be nurses and doctors who come into daily contact with gloves and personal protective equipment with latex.
In addition, gardeners, cooks, beauty and construction professionals also come into contact frequently with this material and are therefore also more likely to develop the problem.
People allergic to latex should, as far as possible, avoid contact with this type of material, especially for long periods of time, privileging equipment made from other materials such as polyethylene or polyvinyl gloves for example. For condoms, you must choose a latex-free condom, sold in pharmacies.
In addition, in cases where there is a more severe reaction to latex, your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids and antihistamines to relieve symptoms as soon as they appear.
Some products that contain latex and should therefore be avoided by allergy sufferers include:
In addition, some types of sneakers and sportswear may also contain latex.
Ideally, always read the product label to see if they contain latex. Generally, latex-free products have a label indicating that they are “latex-free” or “latex-free”.