Allergies are caused by several microorganisms or even materials which can have an adverse effect on the body or the skin. Latex allergy is one of them for which you may have to go to an allergy specialist in many cases. Here is everything you need to know about latex allergies and how to prevent them.

Latex Allergy

Any type of allergy or allergic reaction is caused by the defense mechanism of your immune system. Some foreign body enters in your bloodstream and messes with the equilibrium of your body. This causes your immune system to go into overprotective mode and this is why you feel different symptoms and reactions to certain things.

Latex allergy is caused by a rubber that is used in a lot of things like medical gloves, condoms, even clothing. Latex is a rubber derived from a plant and people can be allergic to it. Very commonly occurring in people who have direct contact with Latex on a daily basis, this allergy can be a very uncomfortable condition and you need to stop using Latex if you find yourself being allergic to it.

Latex usually causes dermatitis which is a skin condition, or it can go into the body and cause internal inflammation and irritation. Mostly, it occurs in health care workers because they have an exposure to latex on a very frequent basis. Latex can also go into your body and cause reactions and this can be due to any devices which are being inserted in your body, these are mostly medical devices.

Causes Of Latex Allergies

Here are some causes of latex allergies.

  • While there is no official cause of latex, this is more like a weak immune system that is causing you to feel these reactions because of latex.
  • It can be due to genetics and there might be a long history of latex allergies in your family.
  • If you have very sensitive skin, then latex can cause reactions on it and even cause contact dermatitis.
  • If you have a defect in your bone marrow then you can get latex allergies, because your immune system is not strong enough to defend your body from this trigger.

Symptoms Of Latex Allergies

Here are some very common symptoms of latex allergies

  • Wherever you had latex on, you will experience redness and swelling.
  • There will be itchiness in the affected area.
  • Formation of red bumps which are itchy and red is also common.
  • Your skin becomes very dry.
  • You have difficulty in breathing because latex can be airborne and it can be entered in your body via your nose.
  • You will have severe coughing fits.
  • Your eyes will be irritated and red.
  • Your throat will feel constricted and you will have a scratchy sensation in the throat.
  • It can also cause anaphylaxis in worse cases, which is a medical emergency.

Treatments For Latex Allergies

Here are treatment and prevention procedures for latex allergies.

  • If you are allergic to latex, then the best way to prevent it is to stop exposing yourself to latex. Things like gloves, balloons, or any other plastic or latex equipment should be kept away from you. If there is no contact on your skin or latex, then you are good to go.
  • If you do get an allergic reaction to latex, the best quick remedy is to take some antihistamines. Histamine is a secretion which your body produces in your blood, when you are exposed to an allergen. This is a natural defense mechanism of your body. So, you need to take antihistamines to reduce the amount of histamine in your blood, which will shorten the span of the symptoms.
  • Always have your EpiPen close by. You’d want to use it immediately in case you start to feel out of breath.
  • Before going for a surgical procedure, always mention your allergies to latex to your doctor, so that the health care professionals can deal with you using non latex gloves.
Final Word

There you have it! Latex allergy may seem pretty ordinary but it is a full-on medical emergency and an uncomfortable condition which needs to be dealt with immediately. You have latex allergy or you are experiencing allergic reactions, find allergy doctor who can provide treatment options.