If you have especially bad latex allergies, then avoiding sources of latex is your best means of combatting an allergic reaction. We recommend you have an in-depth conversation with your allergist about your day-to-day life and where you might come into contact with natural rubber latex. Remember also that food with the same proteins can cause an allergic reaction, so part of your avoidance might mean modifying your diet.
If your latex allergy is considered mild, your doctor might suggest a prescription antihistamine in addition to the above avoidance measures.
Antihistamines will prevent the production of histamines, which can lessen your latex allergy symptoms. Avoidance will be your best bet, and your allergist will probably prescribe you adrenaline or epinephrine to carry on your person as well.
You should use your epinephrine shot if you have a serious allergic reaction. Your allergist might also suggest you wear an allergy bracelet indicating that you have a latex allergy. If you were ever rendered unconscious or unable to respond because of your latex allergy, the medical bracelet would tell those around you what your allergy is. Someone could then contact emergency services to get you the help you need promptly. Your allergist can also help you come up with a medical care safety plan you can use going forward.
Your allergist will likely recommend you contact your physician or dentist and tell them about your allergy. You might request that these medical professionals switch to latex-free gloves, using something like synthetic gloves instead. Lifestyle changes on your behalf are also necessary to safeguard yourself from latex.
We recommend going through your everyday household products and determining which may contain latex. As mentioned, computer buttons, tools, pacifiers, carpet backing, and toys may all contain natural rubber latex. Next, go through your wardrobe.
Some clothing may have latex in them, including elasticized underwear and even raincoats. The soles of your shoes could contain latex as well since most soles are rubber.
Finally, dig through your medicine cabinet. Bandages and some dressings contain latex, as can sexual protection like diaphragms and condoms. These tests should only be performed by a healthcare provider experienced in the diagnosis of allergies.
Many people with an immediate latex allergy will also have what's called oral allergy syndrome. This is a condition in which a latex-allergic person notices itching and swelling of the mouth after eating certain foods, most commonly banana, melons, avocado, kiwi, and chestnuts. This is due to the presence of proteins in the foods that are similar to those found in the latex. While most oral allergy symptoms are mild and last only a few minutes, some people can experience more severe reactions to these foods.
It is best for a person with latex allergy to avoid any food that causes oral allergy syndrome symptoms. The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid exposure to latex. However, latex is extremely common, so it will be difficult to avoid entirely. Inform your healthcare provider and dentist that you are latex allergic, so they will use non-latex gloves and other latex-free medical supplies during office visits.
Household latex can be found in latex balloons, dishwashing gloves, and in latex condoms. These items are known to commonly cause reactions in latex-allergic people. Items less likely but still possible to cause a reaction include rubber bands, erasers, rubber toys, elastic in clothing and baby nipples and pacifiers. Read the labels on any rubber product before purchase, and avoid using any of these that contain latex.
Any person with latex allergy undergoing surgery needs to carefully coordinate the procedure with the hospital, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical personnel to ensure that no latex is used during the procedure.
This often means that a latex-allergic person is the first surgery of the day, to ensure the operating room is thoroughly cleaned the night before, and that there is no latex contamination from surgeries earlier in the day. Allergy shots , or immunotherapy, to latex has been tried to prevent reactions with latex exposure, although with mixed results.
Treatment of immediate reactions after exposure to latex is similar to the treatment for anaphylaxis. This may include the use of injectable epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines. People with a latex allergy should consider wearing a medical bracelet containing their allergy information, including latex allergy, in case of emergencies in which the person cannot communicate.
This is extremely important so that emergency medical personnel will know not to use latex-containing materials when caring for the person. This is because the mucus membranes in the vagina absorb latex proteins faster than the membranes on the penis. In rare cases , anaphylaxis is possible. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical attention if you have:. Natural latex — which differs from the synthetic latex in paint — is derived from the rubber tree.
It contains several proteins that are known to trigger an allergic reaction. If you have a latex allergy, your immune system mistakes these proteins for harmful invaders and releases antibodies to fight them off. This immune response may lead to itchiness, inflammation, or other allergy symptoms. About 30 to 50 percent of people with latex allergies are also allergic to certain foods, according to a study.
Some plant-based foods contain proteins that are structurally similar to those found in latex. This means that they may trigger a similar immune response. The premise remains the same: If the given material contains one or more irritating compounds, your immune system will deploy antibodies to fight against them. This can result in a localized or full-body allergic reaction.
Although most condoms are made with latex, there are many alternatives available. Discuss your allergy with your sexual partners and choose the best non-latex option for both of you. Made from plastic, polyurethane condoms effectively prevent pregnancy and protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections STIs.
They come in both male and female varieties. Because of this, they may be more likely to slip off or break. If you want to give this option a go, Trojan Supra Bareskin condoms are a popular choice. Unlike other options, polyurethane condoms are compatible with most lubricants. This includes lubes made from:. Just a heads up: There seems to be a link between having a latex allergy and reactions to certain foods, like avocados , chestnuts, kiwis, and bananas. Still, there are a few things you can do if you accidentally come into contact with a latex condom.
If your symptoms are mild, an antihistamine or corticosteroid may help, the Mayo Clinic says. Your doctor may also prescribe epinephrine to carry with you, just in case you have a severe reaction in the future, the AAAAI says.
And what should you do if the symptoms are flaring up right now, leaving you in need of some relief ASAP? While a vulvar or vaginal reaction to latex condoms will usually go away when you stop using them, Dr. Whelihan says you may be able to use a mild hydrocortisone cream down there to help with the symptoms while you wait it out. Just be sure not to get any of the cream inside your actual vagina, where it might just cause even more irritation.
You could also consider taking a sitz bath , as in, dunking everything below your hips in lukewarm or cool water to help ease irritation around your vagina or vulva. If you know you have a latex allergy, doing your best to avoid latex in all forms is important. But that can be tricky if condoms are a necessary part of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections for you. The good news: Instead of latex, you can find condoms made from plastic, synthetic rubber, or other materials.
Here are some alternatives:. Polyurethane condoms : Made from thin plastic, these offer similar protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections as latex condoms, the Mayo Clinic says.
The downsides: They tend to be more expensive than latex condoms, and they may also break more easily, the Cleveland Clinic says.
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