What is Latex Allergic Reaction?

Latex is a milk-like sticky liquid extracted from the rubber plant, in which some chemicals are added to make rubber. Medical gloves, rubber bands, toys, condoms, etc. are made from this rubber. Many people are allergic to these things, which is called latex allergy. Actually, the immune system is responsible for any kind of allergy. Our immune system is also the cause of latex allergy. Actually, when we use things made of latex rubber, the immune system starts making antibodies against it considering it as an external chemical. On coming in contact with any latex product, the immune system starts producing a hormone called histamine when antibodies are formed and this histamine causes the symptoms of allergy.

What are the Latex Allergy Symptoms?
Usually, an allergic reaction to latex results in a rash at the site of contact, which is called contact dermatitis. Its other symptoms include-

• Itchy hands
• Skin rash that feels warm to the touch
• Hives
• Eczema
• Swollen and red skin lips and tongue
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness

What are the Types of Letex Allergy?
There are two types of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. The types of latex reactions are:

• IgE-mediated latex allergy (type I) — A person with this type of latex allergy is allergic to a protein from the natural rubber tree. Exposure to latex causes the immune system to make IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. These antibodies cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. IgE-mediated latex allergies can be life-threatening.
• Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (type IV) — This allergy causes skin irritation and inflammation. Blisters may form on the skin, and they may ooze liquid. Cell-mediated contact dermatitis is not life-threatening, but may be very bothersome and in some cases progress to also involve IgE-mediated latex allergy.

Products Containing Latex

Many things are made using latex; the list of substances made from it is very long. Some items made of latex include-

• Gloves, intravenous tubes, catheters, and blood pressure cuffs
• Dental appliances including orthodontic rubber bands and dental dams
• Contraceptive products such as condoms and diaphragms
• Clothing that contains elastic bands such as pants or underwear, running shoes, and raincoats
• Some household items such as zippered storage bags, bathmats, some rugs, and rubber gloves
• Some baby supplies, such as plastic pacifiers, bottle nipples, disposable diapers, and other toys
• Some stationery like rubber bands, erasers, adhesive tapes, rubber cement and paint
• Elastic bandages
• Rubber balloons

What are the Latex Allergy Causes?
In a latex allergy, your immune system mistakes latex for a harmful substance and makes certain antibodies to fight it. The next time you come into contact with latex, these antibodies tell the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, resulting in a number of allergy symptoms and signs. The more often you are exposed to latex, the stronger your immune system responds, this is called sensitization.

Latex allergy is caused not only by coming in contact with a protein called latex, but also by inhaling this protein present in the air. Latex allergy can happen in these ways

• Direct contact — Latex allergy is usually caused by touching things that contain latex, including latex gloves, condom balloons, etc.
• Inhalation — Latex products, especially gloves, release latex particles that dissolve in the air and enter your body when you breathe in.

It is also possible to have other skin reactions with the use of latex like:

• Allergic contact dermatitis — This reaction is caused by the chemical used during manufacturing. Its main symptom is rash with boils on the skin. This occurs within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to latex.
• Irritant contact dermatitis — This is not an allergy, this skin irritation is caused by the powder present in rubber gloves when worn. Symptoms include dry skin, itching and burning, usually in the hands.
• Not all latex products are made naturally. Products that use synthetic latex, such as latex paint, are more likely to react.

What are the Latex Allergy Risk Factors?
the risk of latex allergy is higher in some people like-

• People with spina bifida — The risk of latex allergy are higher in people who suffer from spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the development of the spine.
• People who undergo multiple surgeries or medical procedures — The risk of latex allergy increases with repeated exposure to latex gloves and medical products
• Health care workers — If you work in the medical field, you are more likely to have a latex allergy.
• Rubber industry workers — Workers associated with the rubber industry are also more at risk of allergies because they come in contact with latex repeatedly.
• Family history of allergies in person or family — If you have hay fever or food allergy or if this type of allergy is common in your family, then you are more likely to be a victim of latex allergy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, latex allergy is a result of the immune system mistaking latex for a harmful substance and producing antibodies, leading to allergic reactions upon contact or inhalation of latex. It can manifest as contact dermatitis or more severe IgE-mediated reactions. Those at higher risk include individuals with spina bifida, healthcare workers, rubber industry workers, and those with a family history of allergies. Avoiding direct contact with latex products and using alternatives when possible can help prevent allergic reactions.