Latex allergy

Overview

Latex is in gloves, balloons, condoms, and some medical supplies.

People with latex allergy may also react to bananas, avocados, kiwis, and chestnuts.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Rash after latex contact
• Reaction to latex (gloves, condoms, or balloons)

Less common

• Hives
• Itching
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes

Look up a symptom: Hives or welts · Itching · Rash · Reaction to latex (gloves, condoms, or balloons)

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune reaction.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Healthcare workers

Possible complications

• Anaphylaxis

Diagnosis

Allergy tests.

Treatment

Avoid latex.

Self-care

• Tell all healthcare providers
• Use non-latex gloves and condoms
• Carry epinephrine if prescribed
• Wear a medical alert ID

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Education and online support for asthma, allergies, and eczema.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Healthcare workers: Highest risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need an epinephrine auto-injector?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Latex allergy