Latex allergy: causes and treatment
In the case of a latex allergy, those affected react to certain proteins contained in latex or to additives that are used in latex production. Here you can find out how a latex allergy manifests itself and how it can be treated.
What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to certain allergens in latex and latex products. The immune reaction is misdirected because the body is sensitized to actually harmless substances. There can be two types of triggers:
- Protein components of natural rubber, from the milky juice of which natural latex is made
- Additives in latex products that are added during production, such as dyes or anti-aging agents
In Germany, about 2 percent of the population suffer from a latex allergy. The rate is much higher in occupational groups that frequently come into contact with latex or latex products, such as medical staff. Between 10 and 17 percent are affected there.
How does a latex allergy manifest itself?
Symptoms of latex allergy can be immediate or delayed. If there is a contact allergy to additives, this usually manifests itself with a time delay as a so-called late-type allergy. It usually takes more than 12 hours for the first symptoms to appear. A reaction to the water-soluble, allergenic proteins in natural latex usually presents itself as an immediate reaction.
Late-type latex allergy has steadily decreased in recent years. This is primarily due to the fact that the triggers are largely known and avoided or replaced in production whenever possible.
The most common symptoms of a latex allergy are:
- Rashes with itching
- hives
- Swelling of the mucous membranes (e.g. the lips when inflating a balloon)
- runny nose
- conjunctivitis
- allergic asthma
- Gastrointestinal complaints
If left untreated, a latex allergy can, in the worst case, result in what is known as anaphylactic shock .
What triggers a latex allergy?
Two well-known causes of latex allergy are condoms and rubber gloves.
- Condoms: Since condoms should be as stretchy as possible, they are usually made of latex due to the good material properties. Since allergy sufferers can have severe allergic reactions when latex comes into contact with the mucous membranes, they should switch to condoms made of polyurethane or so-called hypoallergenic condoms. With the latter, the allergenic proteins are removed from the latex.
- Rubber gloves: For years, there has been a significant increase in new cases, mainly due to powdered rubber gloves. Since the latex allergens are bound by the powder and can thus easily be dispersed in the air, they lead to a particular degree of sensitization of the respiratory tract. The use of powdered latex gloves in hospitals and medical practices is now banned, which is why there have been significantly fewer new cases in recent years.
Nevertheless, there is an increased risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, especially during medical interventions such as operations, dental treatments or gynecological examinations, since the allergens penetrate the body much more easily through contact with blood or mucous membranes. Treating physicians should therefore be informed if a latex allergy is known.
Natural latex is also found in many other everyday objects that should be stretchy, for example pacifiers or teats, balloons, elastic bandages, bathing caps or the headbands of swimming goggles. But mattresses, carpet backings or certain items of clothing such as non-slip socks can also contain latex.
People who already suffer from intolerance to environmental substances, such as patients with neurodermatitis , have a particularly high risk of also having an allergic reaction to latex products.
In about a third of the cases of a latex allergy, there are also cross-allergies with certain plants or foods. This is the case when they contain substances that are very similar to latex allergens. The allergens enter the organism when eating food. Plants, for example, release them into the air or trigger contact allergies when pruned. Triggers can be, for example:
- banana
- mango
- avocado
- raw potatoes
- kiwi
- tomato
- rubber trees
- Ornamental plants of the genus Ficus benjaminii
- Christmasstars
How is a latex allergy diagnosed?
In order to diagnose a latex allergy, the doctor treating you will first conduct a detailed anamnesis interview. For example, they are asked whether there is an increased risk of a latex allergy at work. Frequent operations or skin diseases such as neurodermatitis can also be considered risk factors.
Various test methods can then be used. When the benefits and risks are weighed up, the so-called prick test works the most reliably. In this standard allergy identification test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed in liquid form on the forearm. The skin underneath is then scratched with a kind of needle so that the allergen gets into the top layer of skin. After about 30 minutes, the doctor checks whether and to what extent there are skin reactions.
A blood test may also be an option to identify antibodies specifically formed to the latex allergens. However, this so-called RAST test (radio-allergo-sorbent test) is not meaningful in all cases, since antibodies are only formed in the blood in the case of an immediate-type latex allergy and no antibodies are detectable in the case of a delayed-type allergy.
In order to secure an uncertain finding, so-called provocation tests can also be considered. The patient is brought into direct contact with the allergy-causing substance, for example by wearing a latex finger stall. However, since severe allergic reactions can occur as a result of such a test, a provocation test is rarely used. In addition, it should always only take place under the supervision of a doctor in order to be able to act quickly in the event of an allergic reaction.
How is a latex allergy treated?
A latex allergy cannot be cured, which means that once it has developed, it will remain for life. However, if the corresponding allergens are effectively avoided, there are usually no problems. One speaks of the so-called allergen avoidance. In this way, a latex allergy can also be prevented relatively reliably.
Acute allergies are treated with antihistamines in tablet form and cortisone solutions. Adrenaline sprays for inhalation are also possible if the latex allergy is particularly severe and accompanied by severe symptoms. In such cases, it is also a good idea to carry an emergency kit with you at all times for immediate relief of symptoms. As a rule, the attending physician will prescribe such a set.
So that it is always immediately clear in emergencies that a latex allergy is present, it is advisable to have an allergy pass with you or to wear an allergy wristband.