Latex Allergy

Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex, comes from the milky sap of the rubber tree, found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to substances in natural latex. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions, although latex is also used in many other products -- here are some common places latex may show up in your environment:



At Home:

• balloons
• rubber gloves for cleaning house
• rubber erasers
• some computer mouse pads 
• rubber bands
• tennis shoe soles
• ping pong paddles
• foam rubber pillows 
• some "pillow top" mattresses
• koosh balls
• party "bounce" houses
• tires
• freshly resurfaced roads

At School:

• rubber balls on the playground
• rubberized playground surfaces
• rubber running tracks
• artificial turf fields
• mouse pads

Other:

• dental or medical offices where latex gloves are worn by staff
• restaurants or cafeterias where food handlers wear latex gloves
• some medical devices such as urinary catheters with a rubber tip
• latex condoms

It is thought that repeated exposure to latex and rubber products may induce symptoms in people prone to allergies.

About 5% to 10% of health care workers have some form of allergy to latex.  Many hospitals are now latex-free as this condition has become more prevalent in the population.


What Happens During a Latex Reaction?

There are three types of latex reactions:

• Irritant contact dermatitis.  Least threatening form, a non-allergenic skin reaction. Usually occurs as a result of repeated exposure to chemicals in latex gloves and results in dryness, itching, or burning of the skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. Results in the same type of reactions as irritant contact dermatitis, but the reaction is more severe, generally itchier, spreads to more parts of the body and lasts longer.
• Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity). The most serious reaction to latex. It can include hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (allergic pink eye), hives, wheezing or chest tightness, swelling of the lips, eyelids, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. Rarely, symptoms may progress to include rapid heartbeat, tremors, chest pain, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, or potentially, death.

What Should I Do During an Allergic Reaction to Latex?

If you experience severe symptoms, call your doctor or 911 immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you suspect latex allergy, we can help you decipher the causes of your symptoms.  Give us a call at (310) 371-1388 and set up a time to come see one of our allergy doctors.

Don't Scare Up Other Allergies On Halloween Night

Halloween can be a frightening time for those with allergies. And it's not just peanuts in candy that put trick-or-treaters in danger.

Allergy--and asthma triggers--may be lurking among your Halloween goodies and decorations, warns the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"When people think of Halloween-associated allergies, they focus on candy and often overlook many other potential triggers," said Myron Zitt, M.D., former ACAAI president in a released statement. "By planning ahead, you can ensure not only safe treats, but also safe costumes, makeup, accessories and decorations."

To keep your gasps of horror from turning into gasps for breath or spine-tingling scares into skin-itching nightmares, look out for these other six potential culprits, says the ACAAI:

Ghastly gelatin -- The gelatin found in gummy bears or other candies might be a potential, though less common, allergy trigger.

Nightmarish nickel accessories -- Watch out for nickel in costume accessories, such as tiaras, magic wands, cowboy belts and pirate swords. One of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, nickel can cause some to break out into an itchy rash.

Cobwebbed costumes -- If you are reusing an old costume, wash it first. Halloween costumes packed away since last year can harbor dust mites, which trigger asthma and allergies.

Menacing makeup -- Cheap Halloween makeup may include preservatives that can cause allergic reactions. Opt for high quality theater makeup instead. It might take a few days for an allergic reaction, such as a rash or swelling, to appear. Test the makeup on a small area of skin before the big candy-grabbing eve.

Frightful fog -- Fog, real or man-made, can trigger asthma in some.

Perilous pumpkins -- Pumpkin allergies, though rare, can cause everything from itching to chest tightness and can happen suddenly, even if you haven't had a problem before. Pumpkin picking might trigger allergy and asthma for some, as pumpkin patches are often moldy and dusty. Consider buying a pumpkin from a grocery or discount store. (Or wash your pumpkin at the farm before bringing it home.)

By keeping these things in mind, your Halloween will be fearsome for all the right reasons.

Beware of ghosts & goblins AND HALLOWEEN ALLERGIES

Halloween allergy and asthma triggers, and how to avoid them

Oct 14, 2011 6:00 AM

For millions of children with asthma and allergies, and their parents, Halloween can be a frightful time of year. Not only because of the usual suspects—candy and treats—but some more unexpected culprits as well. Costumes, makeup, and other accessories can bring on dangerous allergy and asthma symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. But fear not—be smart and consider these important tips on how to help your little ghost or goblin stay wheeze and sneeze-free on Halloween night.

Treats: Peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs are common ingredients in chocolate and other confections. For kids with food allergies, eating these Halloween treats can bring on a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. But candies containing gelatin, such as gummy bears are potential triggers, too. For children prone to food allergies, have some non-candy treats on hand, such as stickers, pencils and small toys, be wary of “fun size” candy which may contain different ingredients than regular size packages, and teach your child to politely say no to food that may not be safe. Verify that adults or friends accompanying your child understand his or her food allergies and what to do in an emergency. And always make sure your food-allergic child carries their EpiPen with them.

Costumes: Thinking of re-using last year’s Halloween costume or taking a hand-me-down? Here’s something to consider: Halloween costumes packed away in a box for months can be laden with dust mites, which could trigger an allergic or asthmatic response. Be sure to wash the dusty and hand-me-down costumes in hot water. Or spring for a new costume. And, whenever possible, watch out for nickel in costume accessories, from cowboy belts and pirate swords to tiaras and magic wands. Nickel can cause allergic contact dermatitis, making for an itchy, bumpy, uncomfortable kid.

Makeup: Cheap Halloween makeup may include preservatives that can cause allergic reactions, such as a rash or swelling. Opt for higher quality theater makeup, and test the makeup on a small area of your child’s skin well in advance of Halloween.

Pumpkins: Pumpkin allergies, while rare, can cause itching, chest tightness, and other symptoms, and they can appear suddenly, even if you haven’t had a problem before. If you think you might be allergic, beware of pumpkin carving and pumpkin. And keep in mind that pumpkin patches are often moldy and dusty, allergy and asthma triggers for some.

Decorative contact lenses: If your Twilight fan is asking for colorful, vampire-inspired contact lenses, consider this warning from the Food and Drug Administration before saying “yes”. An eye doctor must measure each eye to properly fit the lenses and evaluate how the eye responds to contact lens wear. A poor fit can cause serious eye damage, including cornea scratches and infection, conjunctivitis (pink eye), decreased vision, and even blindness. Never buy the lenses from places that sell them without a prescription, such as street vendors, salons, novelty stores, and the Internet.

Fog: If you’re planning on using a fog machine at your Halloween party, keep in mind that fog can trigger asthma in some sufferers.

Sources
Don’t Let Allergies, Asthma Haunt Halloween Fun [American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology]
Avoid the Danger of Anaphylaxis this Halloween [American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology]
Decorative Contact Lenses: Is Your Vision Worth It? [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]