Latex Allergy

Latex allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex. It's relevant to healthcare workers, patients with repeated surgeries, spina bifida, and people who use latex condoms, rubber gloves, or balloons. Reactions range from skin itching to anaphylaxis.

Common sources

• Disposable gloves (medical, dental, lab, food handling).
• Latex condoms — an important cause in India; non-latex (polyurethane, polyisoprene) alternatives are available.
• Balloons, rubber bands, erasers, rubber handles of bats/bicycles.
• Some medical devices — catheters, tourniquets, BP cuffs, elastic bandages.
• Some masks and elastic waistbands.
• Cross-reactivity with foods — banana, avocado, kiwi, chestnut, papaya ("latex-fruit syndrome").

Symptoms

• Contact dermatitis — red, itchy, dry patches where latex touched skin (delayed).
• Immediate hypersensitivity — hives, itching, sneezing, wheeze, conjunctivitis within minutes.
• Anaphylaxis — face/throat swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse — emergency, dial 112.

Diagnosis

• Clinical history + specific-IgE blood test or skin-prick test by an allergist.
• High-risk groups (repeated surgery, healthcare workers) should be screened before elective surgery.

Management

• Avoid latex — use nitrile or vinyl gloves, latex-free condoms, latex-free medical supplies.
• Wear a medical-ID tag and inform every healthcare setting before procedures.
• Schedule elective surgery as the first case of the day, in a latex-free room.
• Carry an adrenaline auto-injector if there is a history of anaphylaxis.
• Avoid cross-reactive fruits if they trigger oral allergy.