Latex Allergy

Latex Allergy

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins present in natural rubber latex. It generally develops after repeated exposure to medical and consumer products containing natural rubber latex. Allergy to latex poses a serious health risk to healthcare workers, spina bifida patients, workers with occupational exposure, patients with multiple surgeries, and even the general population. People with latex allergies may also have or develop allergic reactions to some fruits, such as bananas, kiwi or avocados.

Latex allergy is preventable but not curable. Awareness and education are the keys to managing the condition. Types of latex allergy: Type I, Type IV (allergic contact dermatitis), Irritant contact dermatitis.

About Latex Allergy

• Prevention of IgE sensitization to latex in health care workers after reduction of antigen exposures. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine – Kelly, K, Wang, M.L., Klanick, M. and Petsonk, E.
• Latex allergy – Wiley Online Library – S. Gawchik
• Latex allergy: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis – UpToDate^® – R. Hamilton
• The latex story – Chemical Immunology and Allergy – M. Raulf
• Latex Allergy: An Emerging Problem
• Latex Allergy and Occupational Asthma in Health Care Workers: Adverse Outcomes
• American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology (ACAAI) – Latex Allergy

Guidance and Reporting

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Latex Allergy – Gateway to Health Communicaiton
• MedWatch – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Adverse Event Reporting Form

Patient and Practitioner Resources

• Latex Allergy Fact Sheet
• Screening Questionnaire
• Latex Allergy Anaphylaxis Plan
• Patient Checklist

Latex and Vaccines

• Vaccinations and Latex Allergy
• Latex in Vaccine Packaging – CDC
• Influenza vaccines — United States, 2018-19 influenza season

School Resources

• Latex-free School Product List
• Latex-free Sports Equipment List
• Latex Allergy Article List
• Latex Safe at School
• New York State – Bus drivers allowed to carry Epipens
• The Bursting Reality of Latex Allergies

Allergy & Asthma Network Webinars

• Latex Allergies – Addressing Barriers to Emergency Anaphylaxis Care – October 2016
• Overcoming Barriers in the Real World – A Look at Clinical Issues, School Concerns and Living with Latex Allergy – October 2016

“Latex Allergy Myths & Truths: What the Evidence Reveals”

• Latex Allergy Awareness Week Press Release

Dermatitis/Rubber Accelerators

• T.R.U.E. test – T.R.U.E. TEST® is a convenient, ready-to-use patch test for the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing is a simple procedure to help diagnose allergic contact dermatitis and identify the causative agent(s). (Panel 2.3 will test for the Rubber Accelerators/Chemicals)

Instituting Latex Precautions

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19435162
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12635427

Restaurant Resources, Regulations and Guidance

• Restaurant Safety Guidance & Allergy Management

Helpful Links and Resources:

• Spina Bifida Association
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
• American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
• OSHA
• ADA
• Allergy Home
• A latex free list for makeup
• Allergy-Free Apparel

Articles of Interest:

• Can Poinsettia Plants Cause Latex Allergy Reaction 
• Latex Allergies: A Review of Recognition, Evaluation, Management, Prevention, Education, and Alternative Product Use
• Occupational allergies Caused By Latex – Rmaoem.org
• Latex in Cosmetics
• Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?
• Latex: A Lingering and Lurking Safety Risk | Advisory