Latex allergy can occur in anyone, but the symptoms most often appear in he althcare professionals. In this case, latex gloves are usually the source of the latex allergy. This allergy is also common when using a condom. What are the causes and symptoms of latex allergy? What is the treatment?
Latex allergyis a morbid reaction of the body to latex (natural rubber, rubber solution).
Contents:
- Latex allergy - causes and risk factors
- Latex allergy - cross-reaction
- Latex allergy - symptoms
- Latex allergy - diagnosis
- Latex allergy - treatment
Symptoms of latex allergy usually appear in people who have frequent contact with this allergen, i.e. primarily in he alth care workers who use not only latex gloves in their daily work, but also threads, tubes and catheters that contain an admixture of latex.
However, the list of people at risk of developing latex allergy is much longer.
Latex allergy - causes and risk factors
The immune system is involved in latex allergy. The latex particles bind to the proteins of the skin, producing allergenic substances that the immune system remembers. As a consequence, the appearance of allergy symptoms occurs after each subsequent contact with this specific allergenic substance (regardless of its dose).
Patients at risk of latex allergy, apart from he alth care professionals, are exposed to frequent contact with this substance during their stay in hospital. According to the observations of doctors, this applies especially to patients with spina bifida accompanied by a meningeal hernia (POR).
Symptoms of latex allergy may also appear when using condoms and other items made of this material. These include some items of clothing, teethers and pacifiers for children, car tires and seals.
People who have already been diagnosed with an allergy are also exposed to latex allergy. This is especially true for people who have:
- allergy to birch pollen
- grass pollen allergy
- allergycereals
- allergy to mugwort
- ambrosia allergy
Latex allergy - cross-reaction
In people allergic to one of the above-mentioned allergens, undesirable symptoms may also appear after contact with latex (it is a cross-allergy).
A special form of latex allergy islatex-fruit syndrome,resulting from cross-reactivity between latex allergens and food allergens. Most often they are:
- avocado
- banana
- kiwi
- stone fruit (plum, peach)
- mango
- melon
- papaya
Other foods that may cross-react with latex include:
- potatoes (raw)
- celery
- tomatoes (raw)
- peanuts
- chestnuts
Latex allergy - symptoms
Symptoms of a latex allergy may appear:
- immediately, maximum 30 minutes, after contact with latex (this is an immediate reaction)
- Within 24-48 hours after latex exposure (this is allergic contact eczema)
- only after prolonged exposure to this allergen (it is called irritation contact eczema)
The most serious symptom of latex allergy is anaphylactic shock.
In case of an immediate reaction, the following appear:
- hives
- symptoms of allergic rhinitis:
- sneezing
- watery eyes
- scratchy throat
- itchy nose
- qatar
- symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
- burning and watery eyes
- photophobia
- bronchial asthma symptoms
- incl. shortness of breath
Irritant contact eczema and allergic contact eczema, which is a delayed reaction (it only develops some time after contact with the allergen), usually takes the form of a rash.
There is also itching of the skin with a burning sensation or soreness, and a warmer epidermis that is sensitive to touch.
These changes appear where the skin has come into contact with the latex.
For example, with a latex condom, women experience itchy labia, a burning sensation, men itching and a rash on the penis.
- Drug allergy
- Food allergy
- Cosmetic allergy
Latex allergy - diagnosis
In order to diagnose latex allergy:
- skin prick test (PTS)
- native skin tests(prick by prick) with fresh fruit (banana, kiwi, avocado) - fruit-latex syndrome diagnosis
- patch tests
- specific IgE designation
Find out more: Skin tests - spot and epidermal (patch)
In the case of a positive interview and negative results of diagnostic tests and in occupational medicine (occupational exposure), a provocation test is performed.
Latex allergy - treatment
The only way to treat latex allergy is to completely eliminate it from the patient's environment. Antiallergic drugs have not been found to be effective in controlling sensitization. Sometimes immunotherapy is also used, but it is experimental and is not a standard procedure.
People who work in the he althcare sector should choose polyvinyl, vinyl and nitrile protective gloves and use medical equipment that does not contain latex.
Avoid birth latex exposure for all children with POR and those potentially requiring multiple surgical interventions (primary prevention). And perform planned surgeries in front of patients from other groups.
If allergic symptoms appear with the use of a latex condom, change the silicone or polyurethane condoms, which are hypoallergenic products.
It is also important to remember about foods that cross-react with latex and the need to eliminate them from your diet.