Types of Latex Allergies
More than 40,000 everyday products contain latex. Latex exposure is not something you can completely avoid. Sometimes it can be in products that you would never suspect, such as panty hose, socks, sanitary pads and even lottery scratch cards. For those unfortunate enough to suffer from a latex allergy, it's important to know how it can be diagnosed, and what to do when you experience an allergic reaction.
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Diagnosing Latex Allergy
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There are three ways to diagnose latex allergy: blood, skin and patch tests. It is possible to be sensitized to latex without having any symptoms. According to P. Brock Williams, a clinical professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, to be sensitized is like "walking on thin ice"; it can develop into a latex allergy or even cause immediate hypersensitivity reactions at any time. The only way to find out whether you are sensitized to latex is to get tested so that you can stop the sensitization process by limiting your latex exposure. People who work in the medical field or have an occupation that requires them to have daily contact with latex should get tested for latex allergies and sensitization before they "fall through that ice."
There are three types of latex allergies, categorized by different allergic symptoms: Irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and immediate allergic reaction.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
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This is technically not an allergy. It usually happens when you frequently wear latex gloves for a long period of time, causing the skin to develop dryness, redness, itching and sometimes a burning sensation. In the old days, it used to be called "housewife's rash," as it was linked to rubber gloves worn to wash pots and pans.
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis
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This occurs when you are allergic to latex or other chemicals added to latex during the manufacturing process. The symptoms include skin rashes and unpleasant sensations similar to those of irritant contact dermatitis, though they can be delayed up to 48 hours after you come into contact with latex and may spread to other parts of the body as well.
Immediate Allergic Reaction
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This is also known as latex hypersensitivity or Type 1 Reaction and is the most serious and rare form of latex allergic reactions, which happens when you are allergic to latex proteins. The symptoms range from hives, severe itching, sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, to asthma. The most life-threatening symptom of allergic latex hypersensitivity, however, is an anaphylactic shock that includes dizziness, loss of consciousness, a swollen breathing passage and heart failure.
How to Respond
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There is no cure or vaccine to help you build latex resistance. The best thing you can do, therefore, is to avoid latex exposure. If allergic reactions occur, here are certain things you should do:
1. For irritant contact dermatitis, apply moisturizer or skin lotion to the rashes several times a day. Some holistic experts recommend putting wet oatmeal on the rashes once a day and leaving it in place for a few hours.
2. For allergic contact dermatitis, applying a few drops of marshmallow leaf tincture or Oregon grape tincture to the rashes a few times a day should help clear them up. If you have extremely itchy rashes that quickly spread, however, you may need to get prescription steroid cream from your doctor.
3. If you experience type 1 reaction, go to the hospital or call 911 immediately when a serious symptom strikes. In addition, you should let your family, friends and co-workers be aware of your latex allergy.
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