- Latex allergy symptoms
- Main products with latex
- Who is more likely to have this allergy?
- What to do if you are allergic to latex?
A simple test to test for latex allergy is done by cutting a finger from a latex glove and placing it on the person's finger for about 30 minutes and watching for any of the allergy symptoms. In case of negative, the exam must be done with the entire glove. Another possibility is to have a blood test that identifies the presence of antigens that react with the presence of the material.
Latex allergy is the reaction that the body has when it comes into contact with this material, which is a substance that is present in materials made of rubber, such as gloves, balloons or condoms, for example, causing changes directly in the region of the body that contacted the material.
Latex allergy symptoms
Symptoms of latex allergy in most cases are felt at the site of the skin that has had contact with the product with latex. Thus, some symptoms may be:
- Dry and rough skin; Itching and redness; Red eyes and irritated nose.
Generally, anyone who is allergic to latex is also allergic to foods such as avocado, tomato, kiwi, fig, papaya, walnut and banana, and likewise individuals allergic to these foods can develop latex allergy. In addition, it is also common to have allergies to dust, pollen and animal hair.
Main products with latex
Some products that contain latex include: surgical and cleaning gloves, condoms, bottle nipples, pacifiers, plastic toys, lycra clothes and party balloons, for example. In addition, sneakers and gym clothes can also contain latex.
Who is more likely to have this allergy?
Any individual can develop sensitivity or allergy to latex, but some people are more likely as nurses and doctors who contact daily in gloves and plastic material for personal protection.
In addition, gardeners, cooks, beauty and construction professionals also frequently come into contact with this material and therefore also have a high chance of developing the problem.
What to do if you are allergic to latex?
In case you are allergic to latex, whenever possible you should opt for equipment that is made of other materials such as polyethylene or polyvinyl gloves, for example. In the case of condoms, you should choose a latex-free condom, which is sold in pharmacies. In addition, in some cases it may be necessary to take medications such as corticosteroids and antihistamines.
