Natural rubber latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) found in Africa and Southeast Asia. This material may cause an allergic reaction in persons sensitized to the proteins contained therein.

It's a common component of many medical and dental supplies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. These include disposable gloves, dental dams, airway and IV tubing, syringes, stethoscopes, catheters, dressings, and bandages. Therefore, one of the groups most exposed to these reactions are health workers.

In addition, latex is found in many consumer products. For example, condoms, bags, balloons, sports shoes, tires, tools, underwear for the legs and belts, rubber toys, feeding bottles, nipples and pacifiers.

Latex allergy: who is most at risk

These are the people who have a higher risk of developing a latex allergy, according to the American College:

•Health care workers and others who frequently wear latex gloves.

•People who have had multiple surgeries (for example, 10 or more), such as children with spina bifida.

•People who are often exposed to natural rubber latex, including workers in the rubber industry.

•People with other allergies, such as hay fever (rhinitis allergy) or allergies to certain foods

Allergy Symptoms

In most cases, latex allergies develop after many prior exposures to latex, the organization explains. Symptoms can be various and may include hives, itching, congestion, or runny nose. They are not the only ones. Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath may also arise.

The most severe latex allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction involving severe respiratory distress and/or a drop in blood pressure (shock).

These signs usually appear within minutes of exposure to latex-containing products.

Eczema and blisters on the hands

A second type of skin allergy is called "allergic contact dermatitis" and can be caused by chemicals used to make rubber gloves. According to this entity, this dermatitis is recognized by eczema and blisters on the back of the hands.

As obvious as it may seem, one of the reasons for the appearance of this allergy is contact with this material, but it is not necessarily the only one. Anaphylaxis and severe asthmatic reactions are caused by the inhalation of latex proteins in the air resulting from latex glove dust.

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