Natural Rubber Latex Allergy

Natural rubber latex is a kind of rubber obtained from the sap of rubber tree plants. Because it is very elastic, it can be easily made into a variety of medical products and everyday items. Anyone who uses these products may develop an allergy to proteins originating from the rubber tree or to chemicals used when the product is made. Recently, latex allergy has become more common. Fortunately, now it is more easily identified and understood.

Latex allergy is often characterized by itching, flushing, watery eyes or a rash. Hives or swelling may occur in the area touched by latex. More seriously, severely low blood pressure and/or swelling of the airway may result, causing problems with breathing. This is called an anaphylactic reaction and can cause death if not treated.

An allergic reaction can happen suddenly even if you have been exposed to latex products previously and not had any problems. A reaction is more likely to occur when latex comes in contact with mucous membranes such as those in the mouth, urinary tract or rectal area.

People with spina bifida seem to have a high risk of developing latex allergy. Although the reason is unclear, this may be due to frequent contact with latex products such as urinary catheters and surgical gloves. Other patients with a high risk of developing latex allergy include those who:

• Have been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury
• Have had six or more surgeries
• Have had long-term catheter use
• Have food allergies to avocado, banana, kiwi, papaya, passion fruit, chestnuts, peaches or tomatoes
• Have been exposed to frequent use of latex gloves/products
• Have exstrophy of the bladder

Gillette Children’s has reduced its use of latex and uses non-latex gloves, catheters and other medical equipment for all latex-allergic and high-risk patients. We recommend that non-latex products routinely be used at home, work, etc., if possible, for people in the high-risk group even if they have not had a reaction to latex.

Familiarize all of your health professionals, dentists, therapists, home nurses and care providers with latex precautions and latex allergy. A latex allergy wallet identification card is available from Gillette clinic nurses. If you have experienced a latex reaction, your doctor may want you to consider an Epi-pen® (bee sting kit) and a medical alert bracelet.

Latex is commonly found in the hospital, doctor’s office, dentist’s office, home and community. The following lists of latex/latex-free products are taken from a Spina Bifida Association of America publication. This is a sample listing of common products containing latex. You can find more complete listings from the Spina Bifida Association at www.sbaa.org. If there is any question about whether a product contains latex, contact the product manufacturer.