Latex allergy

Latex is a natural rubber that is used in many products. An allergy to latex is no longer a rarity, especially in Central Europe. On the contrary, in recent years there has been an enormous increase in the number of people affected.

A latex allergy is in most cases an immediate type allergy (type I allergy). This means that it is caused by special antibodies (IgE) directed against latex. If the affected person comes into contact with products containing latex (first contact), antibodies against latex are formed in the course of the immune defence.

In case of a second contact an allergic reaction occurs (immediate type, as the reaction can occur within seconds). However, a latex allergy can also be a late-type allergy (Type II), i.e. it is triggered by contact with additives that are added to the rubber during latex production. Among the additives that often trigger an allergy are mainly dyes and antioxidants. In the case of a type II latex allergy (late type), the patient only shows the first symptoms after a long time.

Allergy triggers

The main trigger of the latex allergy is the natural latex but also the birch fig, which is widely spread as an indoor plant, triggers an attack in many latex allergy sufferers. Especially among employees in the medical field (doctors, nurses etc.) the occurrence of such a latex allergy is widespread.

Professional groups such as hairdressers or cleaning staff are also particularly frequently affected. This is because these people come into contact with natural rubber particularly frequently (for example when wearing protective and surgical gloves). In addition, it has been found that people with neurodermatitis, asthma or congenital urogenital malpositions are also far more likely to react allergically to products containing latex. The risk group therefore includes people who have frequent contact with latex and/or are generally very allergy-prone.

Symptoms latex allergy

If an allergy sufferer comes into contact with a product containing latex (allergen), typical allergic symptoms will develop. These body reactions vary in form and strength depending on the allergy sufferer and the severity of the allergy. In most cases an enormously strong itching develops, which is accompanied by reddening of the skin and pustules at the contact points with the allergen.

In addition, a nettle rash (urticaria) distributed over the whole body can develop. Other typical symptoms are frequent sneezing with thin nasal secretions and swelling of the nasal mucous membranes. In most cases, those affected also have reddened, swollen, watery eyes.

The reaction of the eyes can even lead to conjunctivitis. Strong contact with the allergenic material usually causes more severe symptoms. Swelling of the throat (pharyngitis) and larynx (laryngitis) is particularly serious and equally dangerous, as it severely restricts proper breathing.

A doctor should be consulted immediately at the latest when a swelling sensation occurs in the throat area. In addition, asthma attacks and complaints of the gastrointestinal tract can occur (especially severe diarrhea). However, these symptoms do not necessarily occur immediately after contact with a latex-containing product (exposure). It is often the case that those affected do not notice the first symptoms until quite some time after exposure.