{"id":189,"date":"2018-11-27T12:57:10","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T12:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jerathpathlabs.com\/blog\/?p=189"},"modified":"2024-01-16T08:20:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T08:20:11","slug":"latex-allergy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jerathpathlabs.com\/jblog\/2018\/11\/27\/latex-allergy\/","title":{"rendered":"Latex Allergy Alert: Vital Precautions, and Must-Take Tests !"},"content":{"rendered":"

Latex is a natural substance found in numerous plants, particularly a tree, Hevea brasiliensis (Hev b), also known as rubber tree. Latex is transformed into various items using two methods: 90% of latex is coagulated into certain rubber products, for example, tires and rubber-soled shoes, and 10% of latex is processed with chemical products. It is then used in casts and moulds to make diverse products like rubber bands and gloves. Latex sensitivity is a therapeutic term encompassing a range of unfavourably susceptible responses to the proteins present in natural rubber latex. It generally develops after repeated exposure to products containing natural rubber latex. When latex-containing medical devices or supplies interact with the mucous membrane, the membrane may absorb latex proteins. The immune system of some vulnerable people produces antibodies that respond immunologically to these antigenic proteins. As many products contain or are produced using natural rubber, including shoe soles, elastic bands, rubber gloves, condoms, baby bottle nipples and balloons, numerous possible routes of exposure may trigger a response. Roughly half of individuals with latex sensitivity have a background marked by another kind of hypersensitivity. Certain fruits and vegetables, for example, bananas, kiwi, avocado and tomato, can cause hypersensitive symptoms in some latex-sensitive people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergic Responses to Latex and Related Syndromes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Allergic responses to latex range from mild to extremely serious. There are three allergic responses to latex, even though they overlap to a specific degree. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediate type latex allergy<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Immediate unfavourably susceptible responses (Type 1 or IgE mediated) are the most severe allergic responses to latex. In the general population who are sensitive to normal latex proteins, their immune system discharges the histamine into the tissues when they interact with latex. The manifestations include hives, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, or anaphylaxis. Some individuals will develop allergic reactions after wearing a condom, inserting a diaphragm for contraceptive purposes or after visiting the dentist or hairdresser and coming into contact with latex. Reactions can also occur when latex is breathed in, bringing about allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma-like symptoms. Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic response to latex. It commonly happens in susceptible patients where latex protein is being absorbed rapidly via moist surfaces, for example, the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, rectum or internally(during a surgical operation). Severe difficulty in breathing, a drop in blood pressure and anaphylactic shock may occur. Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a crisis and can be lethal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergic contact dermatitis<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Type IV hypersensitivity is also called allergic contact dermatitis. It is usually because of a provocative response to the chemicals added to rubber during fabrication. Allergic contact dermatitis is irritating but not dangerous. It happens 1-4 days after exposure to latex. The manifestations seem like irritant dermatitis, yet the cause is different. The rash is rough, dry and flaky, sometimes with sobbing wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Irritant contact dermatitis<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Natural rubber latex can also cause irritant contact dermatitis, a less severe reaction that does not involve the immune system. Irritant dermatitis is often a beginning stage for the development of latex sensitivity. It results in rough, dry and flaky skin, sometimes with sobbing injuries. It is aggravated by sweating and friction under rubber gloves; however, it can also occur from incessant hand washing with harsh soaps. Even though irritation contact dermatitis isn’t an allergic reaction, absorption of latex through damaged skin increases the risk of developing latex sensitivity with continuous exposure\u2014numerous individuals who consistently wear latex gloves gripe red, dry and aggravated skin. Without sensitivity to latex, these individuals will probably have an irritant skin eruption because of contact with powder from the gloves and frequent hand washing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Latex-fruit syndrome<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

People who have latex hypersensitivity additionally may have or build up an allergic response to a few plants and products of these plants, for example, fruits. This is known as the latex-fruit syndrome. Fruits (and seeds) engaged with this syndrome include banana, pineapple, avocado, chestnut, kiwi, fruit, mango, fig, strawberry, papaya, apple, melon, celery, potato, tomato, carrot, and soy. However, not all these natural products contain a form of latex.<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk Factors for Latex Hypersensitivity<\/span><\/h2>\n

Certain individuals are at increased risk of developing latex hypersensitivity, including health care specialists (for example, doctors, attendants and dental specialists) who are regularly exposed to latex through medicinal equipment like gloves. Other individuals who are at more risk include:<\/span><\/p>\n