Latex allergy is a pathological hypersensitivity to latex. This material can be present in various commodities due to its excellent properties. These include clothing, condoms, mattresses and medical items, so latex allergy particularly affects people with medical professions.
What is latex allergy?
Latex allergy is one of the most common occupational allergies. Those affected are allergic to natural latex, which is made from the latex sap of rubber trees. Some also cannot tolerate artificial latex. The allergy is divided into two different types of reaction. On the one hand there is the immediate type, which reacts allergically to certain proteins in the rubber. On the other hand, there is the late type, in which irritation is caused due to certain additives in the latex. The characteristic symptoms include pathological irritation of the skin on the part of the body that came into contact with the latex. Furthermore, these skin irritations can have negative effects on the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and stomach. If an acute latex allergy is not treated, life-threatening anaphylactic shock can be provoked.
Causes
The causes of latex allergy lie in the ingredients of latex products, which trigger hypersensitivity in affected individuals. On the one hand, the allergic reaction can be caused by proteins, which are contained in natural latex and are usually residues of industrial products. These proteins can form certain IgE antibodies, which are rejected by the body with an irritation. Furthermore, additives that are added to the rubber milk during the production of the latex can cause skin irritation. Additives include substances such as dyes, antioxidants, vulcanization accelerators, anti-aging agents and vulcanizers. Mediated by certain cells of the immune system, these allergens produce health symptoms only after a period of more than twelve hours. Thus, latex allergy is not always immediately apparent.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Latex allergy basically shows the same symptomatology as other allergies. Accordingly, the symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe anaphylactic shock. Mostly, latex allergy results in contact reactions. The skin reddens and wheals may form. Sometimes there is also eczema on the skin. The wheals and redness may remain local or spread. The itching that often accompanies them can vary in intensity. If the redness spreads, there is usually also swelling of the eyes. In addition, symptoms similar to those of hay fever may occur. For example, there is occasionally secretion around the eyes or out of the nose. Occasionally, there is bleeding from the nasal mucosa. There is increased swelling in the nose and tearing. In addition, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, which may include cramping or diarrhea. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath and severe coughing. In some cases, swelling occurs inside the throat. Intense contact with the allergen may result in allergic shock. The intensity of symptoms depends on the duration and type of exposure and the severity of the latex allergy.
Diagnosis and course
Before a physical examination, the patient is asked in detail by the physician about his or her lifestyle or occupation, since there are occupational risk groups for latex allergy. This is followed by a prick test. In this test, the patient is placed in controlled contact with latex substances to determine whether skin irritation is caused. Occasionally, a blood test in the form of a RAST test is also performed, but this is of little significance. Other possibilities for diagnosis are a provocation test and an epicutaneous test. If a latex allergy has been diagnosed, it usually persists for a lifetime. However, it can be positively influenced by effective treatment of the acute symptoms and consistent avoidance of the allergens. If it is not treated and contact with the material is not avoided, the symptoms can take a severe course. Thus, a latex allergy can even cause anaphylactic shock.
When should you go to the doctor?
A latex allergy does not always need medical treatment.If contact with the substance is avoided, no complaints will normally occur. A visit to the doctor is necessary if signs of an allergy appear for the first time. Redness and skin eczema must be clarified. Especially longer lasting or particularly unpleasant skin changes should be examined by a doctor. Those affected should have any allergy diagnosed quickly so that suitable countermeasures can be taken immediately. Should contact with latex nevertheless occur, the allergy sufferer must see a doctor immediately. This is especially true if severe allergic reactions occur shortly after contact. Serious symptoms such as coughing fits or shortness of breath require immediate treatment, and in severe cases first aid must be administered on the spot. In the event of allergic shock, the emergency medical services must be alerted immediately. Further treatment takes place in the hospital. The patient should then have another allergy test to confirm the diagnosis and adjust medication if necessary.
Complications
Latex allergy can cause a variety of complaints and symptoms. However, these symptoms can be limited relatively easily by the patient avoiding contact with latex completely. Latex allergy causes redness on the skin when touched or during prolonged contact. Itching may also occur. Especially during sexual intercourse, the latex allergy can lead to very unpleasant discomfort and thus completely prevent the affected person from having sexual intercourse. Furthermore, this allergy can also lead to breathing difficulties and, in the worst case, to a complete loss of consciousness of the patient. Likewise, discomfort can occur in the stomach and intestines, further reducing the quality of life. Not infrequently, latex allergy also leads to shock. As a rule, causal treatment of latex allergy is not possible. Patients must completely renounce latex in their lives. In this case, no complications occur. The symptoms do not occur if the contact with latex is avoided. As a rule, latex allergy does not lead to any particular restrictions in the patient’s life. In acute emergencies, sprays can also be used, which can relieve the discomfort.
Treatment and therapy
As with all allergies, the most effective therapy for latex allergy is to avoid contact with the allergens. If this is not possible, suitable alternatives must be sought. Alternative materials include, for example, synthetic latex, PVC and vinyl. In the case of a severe latex allergy, a change of occupation may also be advisable. Furthermore, those affected should wear an allergy passport. For very sensitive people, an emergency kit can also be provided by the attending physician. This consists of an adrenaline injection, antihistamine tablets and cortisone preparations in the form of pastilles. In addition to latex allergy, some sufferers also have a cross-allergy to certain foods. These foods should also be avoided. There are a variety of options for the treatment of acute symptoms. These include antihistamine tablets, which are characterized by their rapid effectiveness, and glucocorticoid solutions. Furthermore, an adrenaline spray can be used. Clinical studies are currently underway to determine whether hyposensitization can also achieve success in latex allergy.
Outlook and prognosis
Latex allergy normally persists throughout life. Under optimal conditions, the organism’s reactions to latex are constant. However, the prognosis may also worsen, with some patients having an increase in symptoms documented over the course of life. In particularly severe cases, hypersensitivity can lead to anaphylactic shock. There is a potential threat to life and immediate medical attention is required. Nevertheless, many sufferers can achieve freedom from symptoms if they completely and permanently avoid contact with the triggering stimulus. Administration of medication or other medical care is not necessary for this. Thanks to industrial development and research, there are various alternative products that can be used. Therefore, materials used must be checked for their components.As soon as latex is present in the product, those affected can independently and on their own responsibility reach for comparable goods without latex. Numerous alternatives can be created in everyday life, so that complaints can be completely avoided. It is sufficient to provide the person concerned with sufficient information and to point out existing alternatives. If irregularities and impairments occur nevertheless, it should be checked with which materials and objects the human organism has been in contact. The earlier the affected person reacts, the faster a change can be made.
Prevention
There are no preventive measures against latex allergy. A person does not possess it, or have an allergic reaction to latex. Therefore, preventive measures consist of preventing affected individuals from further exposure to the material. These preventive measures therefore include the use of alternative materials and comprehensive information about latex-containing objects. If the latex allergy is severe, new allergic reactions can sometimes only be avoided by changing occupations.
Aftercare
Aftercare is not available for latex allergy as such. It consists, as with all severe allergies, mainly in the precaution. Avoidance of the allergen is therefore all the more paramount for the latex allergy sufferer after the onset of an allergic reaction. In the case of recurring and unexplained allergic reactions, it may also be necessary to intensively search the working and living environment. In addition, after an allergic reaction has been overcome, greater exertion should be avoided in order to protect the heart and respiration. Follow-up care in the medical sense is necessary at most in the event of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. This is especially true if the respiratory or circulatory systems were involved. In such cases, someone with latex allergy must remain in the hospital for at least a period of observation. In cases where the person’s body has been very damaged or weakened, follow-up tests must be performed. Anaphylactic shock, for example, can lead to oxygen deprivation in the brain, so it is important to monitor the patient’s cognitive functions after he or she has been stabilized. In a few cases, it may be necessary to have follow-up examinations at regular intervals after an allergic shock. This is the case, for example, when there is uncertainty regarding possible organ damage.
What you can do yourself
Affected persons of a latex allergy can do a few things in everyday life to live normally. However, it is not possible to specifically combat latex allergy through alternative healing methods, a certain diet, etc. Instead, sufferers simply have to avoid latex. The modern market has alternatives for almost every latex product. This is especially true for condoms (those made of polyutherane or hypoallergenic condoms are suitable), gloves and the like. However, certain places should still be avoided. For example, latex in the form of dust particles may be found in workshops, DIY stores, bicycle stores, etc. Allergy sufferers should therefore avoid such places. To ensure safety in the event of an allergic shock, it is advisable for the latex allergy sufferer to carry some form of identification that will still convey to attending emergency physicians that a latex allergy is present, even if the person is unconscious. This can be implemented, for example, in the form of an SOS bracelet or allergy passport. In places where affected persons are often (at home, at work, in the car, etc.) an emergency kit should be deposited, which can be used in case of shock. In case of cross-allergies (especially to certain fruits), these should also be avoided.
