Site Map

Managing latex allergies at home

Latex products; Latex allergy; Latex sensitivity; Contact dermatitis - latex allergy

I Would Like to Learn About:

Description

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.

Home Items That Might Contain Latex

Items that may contain latex include:

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:

Other foods that are less strongly linked with latex allergy include:

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:

Carry a pair of vinyl or other non-latex gloves with you and have more at home. Wear them when you handle items that:

For children who are allergic to latex:

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.

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:

If a severe allergic reaction occurs, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. These symptoms include:

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.

BACK TO TOP

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.

ADAM Quality Logo
Health Content Provider
06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.