The human body is allergic and hypersensitive to some substances it comes into contact with. For example on latex – a substance that occurs in nature, obtained from the rubber tree and called natural rubber or natural latex . It is also produced synthetically, but it can trigger allergies in both its natural and artificial form. The skin at the contact point is usually reddened, burns and causes severe itching. With a latex allergycontact with latex products should be avoided at all costs. Latex can be found in many products such as disposable gloves, protective gloves, pacifiers, baby bottles, slip socks, rubber bands, rubber pads for mattresses or duvets when changing diapers, balloons, hot water bottles, condoms and in a number of medical products. In Germany, two percent of the population suffer from this or a similar allergy. In the last 30 years in particular, the number of people affected has increased rapidly. Latex allergy is now one of the most common occupational allergies.
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Symptoms of a latex allergy
A latex allergy can be divided into two allergy types:
Type 1 the “immediate type”: In this type of latex allergy, the body produces antibodies against certain proteins when it comes into contact with natural latex.
Type 4 “Delayed type: In this type of latex allergy , additives such as dyes and antioxidants are the triggers of the allergy. The allergic reaction usually occurs about twelve hours after exposure to the allergen. The immune system mistakenly assesses the additives as dangerous and tries to fight them off. This leads to an allergic reaction of the skin.
Symptoms upon contact are an itchy rash, large red wheals that quickly spread over the body . Swelling of the eyelids, watery eyes and a runny nose can also be triggered. Throat problems through to shortness of breath and anaphylactic shockcan be the consequences. As a doctor in particular, one is often affected by this allergy. Since powdered latex gloves are used again and again in the exercise of the profession. These gloves are particularly dangerous because the powder stirs up the allergenic substances. Sneezing attacks and coughing up to circulatory problems are usually the consequences. If the allergy sufferer does not prevent contact, there is a risk of chronic eczema developing. These allergic eczema are typical of contact allergies .
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If you are diagnosed with an allergy, you should try to avoid natural latex and other products. However, since the latex content in many objects is not specified exactly, it is difficult to identify all pathogens immediately. It can occur particularly frequently in the following products:
- condoms
- diaphragm
- balloons
- baby pacifier
- chewing gums
- disposable gloves and cleaning gloves
- mattresses
- adhesives
- balloons
- shoes
- car tire
Possible cross allergies are:
- Kiwis
- bananas
Latex allergy diagnoses
In order to properly diagnose a latex allergy, a doctor’s visit is essential. One of the best-known allergy tests, which brings particularly fast and very reliable results, is the skin prick test. First, your skin – almost always on the forearm – is slightly scratched. The allergens are then applied in liquid form to this area. After about a quarter of an hour, the result is known. In the case of a latex allergy, swelling or at least redness can be found at the test site. The RAST test also helps to make a quick and reliable diagnosis. He will have his blood drawn to determine whether there are antibodies in the blood. However, this test is not quite as meaningful as the skin prick test. A so-called provocation test is often carried out. A latex glove is simply put on in the presence of the doctor. In this way, skin changes or circulatory problems can be recognized immediately.
Here’s how you can treat a latex allergy
Of course, the best protection against symptoms is to completely avoid the allergen, in this case latex. Latex-free gloves or latex-free condoms are good alternatives. If you frequently come into contact with latex products in your job, you can discuss this with the company doctor or the trade association. However, avoiding latex is not that easy, since products containing latex are found everywhere in everyday life. And the objects or materials are mostly not or only insufficiently marked. The more often the immune system comes into contact with it, the faster it reacts excessively to latex. If you know about your allergy, you should use latex-free products whenever possible.
If you do come into contact with latex , antihistamines can help by inhibiting the formation of histamines, which are responsible for immune reactions. Other drugs, on the other hand, stabilize the circulation. Latex-free gloves or latex-free condoms are now commercially available, which help to prevent dangerous allergies. Even if you want to buy a new mattress, you should make sure that it is latex-free.
Medicines:
Treatment with medication is possible. There are various ingredients that help alleviate the discomfort. Treatment with antihistamines inhibits the formation of so-called histamines. When there is a reaction, histamines are released by the body and promote the allergic reaction. Cortisone (as an ointment or tablet) can also help to slow down the immune system.
