What is latex?
What is latex allergy?
Latex is made from rubber tree sap and is used to make many products.
Latex is found in items in hospitals (less common today), the community
and at home. It is in some clothing, toys, gloves, balloons, condoms and
many other items.
Look for other materials like plastic, vinyl, or silicone to replace latex items.
These materials do not cause latex allergies.
Latex proteins can cause allergies in some people.
Signs of an allergic reaction to latex are:
• Whole body reaction leading to shock (a rare, but life-threatening
reaction called anaphylaxis, said an-eh-fil-AK-siss): Watery eyes,
breathing problems (wheezing).
Anaphylaxis is when the mucous membranes swell, and breathing may
be cut off. It is important to have an EpiPen or alternative ready and call
your doctor or 911 if this happens.
This type of reaction can happen even if your child has never
experienced any latex allergy symptoms before.
• Skin reactions: Hives (most common), swelling, redness, itching or rash.
These reactions occur when latex items / allergens touch the skin, the
mucous membranes (inside the nose, mouth, bladder, vagina, or rectum) or
are inhaled into the lungs (like when a rubber balloon pops or powder from
latex gloves).
For some people, the symptoms can get worse the more contact they have
with latex.