If you have a latex allergy, your skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose, or other moist areas) react when latex touches them. A severe latex allergy can affect breathing and cause other serious problems.
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. It is very strong and stretchy. So it is used in a lot of common household items and toys.
Clothing, including rain coats and elastic on underwear
Food that was prepared by someone who was wearing latex gloves
Handles on sports rackets and tools
Diapers, sanitary napkins, and other pads, such as Depend
Buttons and switches on computers and other electronic devices
Other items that are not on this list could also contain latex.
You may even develop a latex allergy if you are allergic to foods that contain the same proteins that are in latex. These foods include:
Bananas
Avocado
Chestnuts
Other foods that are less strongly linked with latex allergy include:
Kiwi
Peaches
Nectarines
Celery
Melons
Tomatoes
Papayas
Figs
Potatoes
Apples
Carrots
Diagnosis
Latex allergy is diagnosed by how you have reacted to latex in the past. If you developed a rash or other symptoms after contact with latex, you may be allergic to latex. Your health care provider can use allergy skin testing to see if you have a latex allergy.
A blood test can also be done to help your provider tell whether you are allergic to latex.
How to Avoid Latex
Always tell any provider, dentist, or person who draws blood from you that you have a latex allergy. More and more, people wear gloves in the workplace and elsewhere to protect their hands and avoid germs. These tips can help you avoid latex:
If people use latex products in your workplace, tell your employer you are allergic to it. Stay away from areas at work where latex is used.
Wear a medical alert bracelet so that others know you are allergic to latex, in case you have a medical emergency.
Before eating at a restaurant, ask if food handlers wear latex gloves when handling or preparing food. While rare, some very sensitive people have gotten sick from food prepared by handlers wearing latex gloves. Proteins from the latex gloves can transfer to food and kitchen surfaces.
Carry a pair of vinyl or other non-latex gloves with you and have more at home. Wear them when you handle items that:
Someone who wore latex gloves touched
May have latex in them but you are not sure
For children who are allergic to latex:
Make sure daycare providers, babysitters, teachers, and your children's friends and their families know that your children have latex allergies.
Tell your children's dentists and other providers such as doctors and nurses.
Teach your child not to touch toys and other products that contain latex.
Choose toys that are made of wood, metal, or cloth that does not contain elastic. If you are not sure if a toy has latex, check the packaging or call the toy maker.
When to Call the Doctor
Your provider may prescribe epinephrine if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction to latex. Know how to use this medicine if you have an allergic reaction.
Epinephrine is injected and slows down or stops allergic reactions.
Epinephrine comes as a kit.
Carry this medicine with you if you have had a severe reaction to latex in the past.
Call your provider if you think you may be allergic to latex. It is easier to diagnose a latex allergy when you are having a reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy include:
Dry, itchy skin
Hives
Skin redness and swelling
Watery, itchy eyes
Runny nose
Scratchy throat
Wheezing or coughing
If a severe allergic reaction occurs, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. These symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Dizziness or fainting
Confusion
Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
Symptoms of shock, such as shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, or weakness
References
Dinulos JGH. Contact dermatitis and patch testing. In: Habif TP, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 4.
Lemiere C, Vandenplas O. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 56.
Review Date:
1/23/2022
Reviewed By:
Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
