Latex Allergy : Allergy To Rubber Products

Latex Allergies

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) found in Africa and Southeast Asia. Rubber and products made of rubber contain a high amount of protein. People with latex allergies get an allergic reaction caused by this protein in rubber products.

Latex allergy symptoms can be mild or severe and will cause many problems for people with this allergy as many products contain rubber nowadays.

The protein in rubber can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This reaction can range from sneezing to anaphylactic shock, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

The thin, stretchy latex rubber in gloves, condoms and balloons is high in this protein. It causes more allergic reactions than products made of hard latex rubber (like tires). Also, because some latex gloves are coated with cornstarch powder, the latex protein particles stick to the cornstarch and fly into the air when the gloves are taken off. In places where gloves are being put on and removed frequently, the air may contain many latex particles. Items made with soft stretchy rubber such as used in latex rubber gloves cause the most problems. Soft rubber causes more allergic reactions than hard rubber used for example in car tyres.