Latex Allergy

Also known as: natural rubber latex allergy.

What is latex allergy?

Latex is a rubber derivative that is found in gloves, balloons, condoms, rubber bands, erasers, toys, and many forms of medical equipment such as tubing. When the body’s immune system has an allergic reaction to latex, this is known as a latex allergy.

What causes latex allergy?

The body’s immune system overreacts to the protein in latex by producing IgE antibodies, which then causes allergy cells to release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction upon exposure to the latex protein.

What are the symptoms of latex allergy?

Hives, rash, swelling, itching, wheezing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, are potential symptoms of latex allergy.

What are latex allergy care options?

There is no cure for latex allergy, so avoiding latex is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction to latex. Healthcare and rubber industry workers are the most at risk individuals for developing a latex allergy.

If you think you may have a latex allergy, this can be confirmed with latex testing by a board certified Allergist/Immunologist. If you have latex allergy, you will be required to carry an EpiPen to use in case of severe allergic reaction.

Reviewed by: Amy S Feldman, MD

This page was last updated on: May 22, 2023 11:15 AM