What is Latex Allergy?
Latex allergy is a kind of a reaction which occurs in those people who are allergic to natural rubber latex. The allergy generally develops in the case when a person is repeatedly exposed to rubber latex. Latex is basically a rubber which consists of proteins that are absorbed by those who come in contact with latex.
There are a number of items which are made using natural rubber latex and some of them are rubber gloves, condoms, show soles, baby-bottle nipples and balloons. Infact people who are allergic to latex also have some reactions to some fruits.
Treatment and Prevention of Latex Allergy:
The following are some of the ways to prevent and treat latex allergy
- The best way to treat or prevent latex allergy is by staying away from all those products that are made of natural rubber latex. So make sure you keep away from balloons, rubber gloves, baby bottle nipples and condoms etc. as much as you can. If you are unsure about the presence of latex in some products, just check their packaging for constituents.
- Try and see the level of your allergic reaction to latex. If the symptoms aren’t too severe and are just mild, then there may be no major or immediate need for medical attention but if you observe the symptoms to be severe or serious, then you must contact your doctor right away.
- If you have already been diagnosed with latex allergy previously, then try and use Epi-Pen. This is nothing but a self-injectable dose of epinephrine which will block the allergy and stop the symptoms.
- Using an antihistamine is a good away to keep away or reduce the symptoms of latex allergy. So for this purpose, take a dose of Benadryl as it can help in eliminating some symptoms like hives, itchiness and swelling.
- There are certain over the counter steroid ointments too that can be used to treat latex allergy. These ointments are suitable for topical use.
Alternatives to Latex
Well if you are allergic to latex, then you must know about the alternatives, a list of which is given as follows:
- You can use synthetic rubbers like neoprene or elastane. These do not contain the proteins that are present in latex and hence do not cause allergic reactions.
- Even some of the products derived from guayale natural rubber emulsions too do not contain these proteins and can be considered as an alternative.
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