From the Guidelines
If you experience symptoms like skin rash, itching, hives, or respiratory issues when using rubber gloves, switch immediately to non-latex alternatives such as nitrile, vinyl, or neoprene gloves. The symptoms of a latex allergy can range from mild to severe and include urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis 1. For mild skin reactions, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1%) 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days and take an antihistamine like cetirizine (10mg) or diphenhydramine (25-50mg) as needed for itching. Wash the affected area with mild soap and water before applying medication.
Key Considerations
- Prevention is crucial, and individuals with a known latex allergy should inform their healthcare providers and avoid exposure to latex products 2.
- A latex-free environment is essential for individuals with a latex allergy, and this can be achieved by using non-latex gloves and medical articles 1.
- In cases of severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or widespread hives, seek emergency medical attention as this could indicate anaphylaxis.
Treatment Options
- For persistent or recurrent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider who may recommend prescription-strength corticosteroids or refer you to an allergist for testing.
- Skin prick tests with latex extracts or in vitro assays for IgE to latex can be used to diagnose a latex allergy 1.
Prevention Strategies
- Always check glove materials before use and inform healthcare providers about your allergy.
- Use of latex-free products, such as nitrile or vinyl gloves, can help prevent exposure to latex allergens 3.
- A latex-safe environment should be ensured for patients and healthcare workers with latex allergy, with emergency treatment kits with latex-free products available at all times 3.
From the Research
Symptoms of Latex Allergy
- Contact dermatitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis are possible clinical reactions to latex allergy 4
- Symptoms can range from mild contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis 5
- Redness of the skin, itching, vesicles, and eczema are common symptoms reported in connection with the use of latex gloves 6
Treatment and Prevention Options
- Minimizing exposure to latex proteins may represent an effective preventive measure for latex allergy 7
- Selection of low-allergen latex gloves can help prevent latex allergy 7
- Synthetic materials, such as polyvinyl, polyurethanes, nitrile, and neoprene, are being used to manufacture medical gloves as alternatives to latex 4
- A comprehensive schedule of diagnostic tests is proposed to identify the responsible allergens, and a classification of hypoallergenic gloves is introduced to provide a guideline for individual therapy 8
High-Risk Groups
- Healthcare workers are at high risk for latex allergy due to increased exposure to latex products 4, 5
- Individuals with spina bifida, congenital urogenital anomalies, and those employed in the rubber industry are also at high risk for immediate hypersensitivity to latex 5
- People with coexisting risk factors, such as atopy and food allergies, are at an even greater risk for severe allergic reactions following repeated latex exposure 4