Latex Allergy
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and treats children and adults who react to latex exposure, from mild skin irritation to more serious reactions.
Book an AppointmentWhat Is Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is a reaction of the immune system to proteins found in natural rubber latex. Reactions can occur after skin contact, through inhalation, or during medical procedures that use latex materials.
Medical gloves and other medical equipment, such as catheters, blood pressure cuffs, and dental dams, are common sources of latex exposure in clinical settings. Health care workers and patients who have frequent contact with medical supplies are exposed to latex more often than the general population.
Latex is also found in many household and everyday items, including balloons, rubber bands, elastic in clothing, some toys, and certain types of footwear. Identifying these sources is a first step in understanding and managing a latex allergy.
Symptoms of Latex Allergy
Symptoms vary from person to person and can affect the skin, the respiratory system, or both. Children and adults may notice symptoms differently, so it helps to describe exactly what happens and when.
Skin Reactions
Redness, itching, hives, or a rash where the skin has touched latex. Reactions may appear soon after contact or develop over time with repeated exposure.
Swelling
Swelling of the skin at the point of contact, and in some cases swelling of the lips, face, or hands after handling latex products.
Respiratory Symptoms
In more serious reactions, latex exposure can cause sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Severe reactions require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing Latex Allergy
Our physicians use a combination of history and testing to confirm whether latex is the cause of a patient's symptoms.
Patient History
The evaluation begins with a detailed history of symptoms, including when they occur, what triggers them, and any past reactions to gloves, balloons, medical procedures, or other latex-containing items.
Skin Testing
Skin testing may be used to check for a reaction to latex. This involves placing a small amount of allergen on or just under the skin and observing the response.
Blood Testing
Blood testing can measure the immune system's response to latex proteins and may be used where appropriate, particularly if skin testing is not suitable for a patient.
Managing Latex Allergy
Management focuses on avoidance and preparation, for children and adults alike, in both daily life and medical settings.
Avoiding Latex
The primary way to manage a latex allergy is avoiding contact with latex products at home, at work, and during medical care.
Identifying Latex-Containing Products
Reading labels and asking about materials used in gloves, medical supplies, and household items helps patients recognize and avoid latex before contact occurs.
Alternative Materials
Non-latex gloves and supplies made from other materials are available for use in medical settings and at home for patients with a confirmed allergy.
Emergency Action Plans
Patients with a history of severe reactions should have a written emergency action plan on file, describing steps to take if accidental exposure occurs.
What to Bring to Your Visit
Insurance Card
Bring your current insurance card to every visit.
Referral, If Required
If your insurance plan requires a referral, bring it with you or have it sent ahead of your appointment.
Medication List
Bring a list of current medications, including doses, so our physicians have a complete picture of your care.
New Patient Forms
Completing your patient forms ahead of time helps your visit go smoothly. Forms are available to download from our patient forms page.
View Patient FormsReady to Discuss Your Symptoms?
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. sees children and adults for latex allergy evaluation and management at four office locations across New Jersey, with Saturday hours available for added convenience.