Latex allergy

Natural rubber contains allergenic proteins (latex proteins). Natural rubber is used in many household and commercial products. Latex proteins can cause allergic reactions. Most cases of latex allergy are caused by work-related use of rubber gloves.

What is latex?

Natural rubber (latex) contains allergenic proteins (latex proteins). These proteins come from the rubber tree itself. Most latex is washed out when the rubber is processed, but some remains, and this can lead to latex allergy. Very many everyday products contain natural rubber. Natural rubber products abound in the commercial area, and in the health sector much of the equipment contains rubber. Most cases of latex allergy are caused by using rubber gloves in the workplace. There is natural rubber in balloons and condoms; they, too, can cause allergy.

What are the symptoms?

Latex can cause the same type of allergy as that known from pollen, animal dander and bee stings–anaphylactic allergy. Latex allergy is a type 1 allergy. It is caused by antibodies in the blood reacting against the latex proteins. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to latex gloves are usually redness, itching, and a nettle-fever-like rash on the area of skin in contact with the gloves; these symptoms appear within minutes of using the gloves. If a person is highly allergic, other symptoms may also develop, for example, hay fever, asthma, diarrhoea and shock. Some people with latex allergy develop only eczema-like symptoms on their hands and are unaware of any of the characteristic anaphylactic reactions. It is therefore very important that anyone with hand eczema from rubber gloves contacts a dermatologist to be tested for latex allergy.

Allergic reaction to latex as result of wearing rubber gloves
kilde:Dermatologisk atlas, Danderm

People with latex allergy can also develop symptoms when they eat certain fruits: banana, avocado, kiwi, papaya, figs and chestnuts; and vegetables, such as potatoes and tomatoes. These fruits and vegetables contain a protein similar to latex protein. People with latex allergy may also react to certain plants, for example, weeping fig.

How frequent is it?

How frequently latex allergy occurs is unknown. It is reported most often among healthcare workers as a result of wearing disposable rubber gloves. In the general population the occurrence seems low.

How is it diagnosed?

Latex allergy is diagnosed by a skin-prick test. The latex protein is diluted and a drop of this solution is placed on the skin. Then, the skin beneath the drop is pricked with a needle, and this allows a small amount of the solution into the skin. If there is a reaction on the skin after 20 minutes, latex allergy is diagnosed. Latex allergy can also be diagnosed with a blood test to find out whether the blood contains antibodies against latex protein. The skin-prick test is more effective than a blood test.

What can you do yourself? If you have a latex allergy, you should avoid contact with natural rubber (latex). It is important to know that latex proteins can be airborne and inhaling them can cause respiratory problems if you are sensitive to latex. For this reason, it may be problematic to work in a room where others are using powdered latex gloves, because the powder spreads the latex.   It is also important to know that severe reactions can occur if latex proteins come into contact with mucous membrane. For example, this may happen on a visit to your doctor or dentist, when using contraceptive creams, or when blowing up balloons.   You should remember that you could get an allergic reaction if you eat any of the fruit or vegetables listed above. In some cases, it is a good idea not to eat certain fruits or vegetables.   You can use vinyl gloves instead of natural rubber gloves.   You should always inform your doctor or dentist if you have latex allergy.

Scientific publications

Knudsen B. Et al. Hand eczema from rubber gloves. In Menné T, Maibach HI (ed). Hand eczema. New York: CRC Press 2. ed. 2000: 275-286