latex allergy

Latex allergy: description

A latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural latex or synthetic latex products. Two percent of the population in Germany suffer from such an allergy. It has become more and more common in the last 30 years. It is now one of the most common occupational allergies. About ten to 17 percent of medical staff have a latex allergy.

Natural latex is extracted from the rubber tree. It serves, among other things, the production of plasters, disposable gloves, catheters, cannulas and other medical products. However, latex can also be found in everyday objects such as pacifiers, rubber cuffs, balloons, condoms or hot water bottles.

The latex allergy can be divided into two different types of allergy: the fast of the “immediate type” (type 1) and the slower and of the “late type” (type 4). In the Type 1 latex allergy The body produces so-called IgE antibodies against certain proteins in natural latex. In theType-4-latex allergy additives (dyes, antioxidants, etc.) in the latex are the cause of the allergy. The type 4 allergy usually occurs about twelve hours after contact with the latex. So-called T lymphocytes of the immune system incorrectly recognize the additives as dangerous and try to fend them off.

Latex allergy: condoms

Some people are allergic to latex condoms. As the mucous membranes of the genital area are particularly thin and sensitive, women in particular suffer from burning and itching in the genital area. Meanwhile, there are also latex-free condoms.

Latex allergy: symptoms

The symptoms of a latex allergy can vary widely and depend, among other things, on how the allergens reach humans:

Type 1 latex allergy

In this allergic reaction, at the point where the skin came into contact with latex, there are usually very itchy wheals. The skin is very red. The changes can spread to the whole body.

Especially with the powdered latex gloves, which are commonly used in medicine, the allergens are whirled up when the gloves are put on and sometimes inhaled. The affected then suffer from irritating coughing to respiratory distress. Her eyes are watering, her nose is running. Sometimes an asthma attack can be triggered.

Sometimes the immune system reacts so excessively that the circulatory system of the body collapses. Blood pressure drops, the bronchi contract. Those affected suffer from severe respiratory distress, coughing, circulatory problems and even fainting. The case is called anaphylactic shock. He can be life threatening.

Type-4-latex allergy

In latex production, additives that have allergenic effects are often added. The type 4 latex allergy usually causes symptoms only after more than twelve hours. The affected area of ​​the skin reacts with redness, papules or blisters. Itching can occur. One also speaks of contact dermatitis. If contact with the additives persists, the eczema can become chronic. The skin becomes thicker, flaky and cracked and is more susceptible to infection.

In this case too, skin lesions can spread to the whole body and cause anaphylactic shock.

Latex allergy: causes and risk factors

On the one hand, natural latex itself is an allergenic substance, on the other hand, the industrially manufactured latex contains many additives such as antioxidants or dyes, which can cause allergies.

Latex is found in many everyday utensils. Frequent contact leads to “sensitization” over time, that is, the body has developed an immune defense against latex or its additives. When it is again exposed to the allergenic substance, the immune system reacts excessively.

risk factors

Medical staff is exposed to latex very often. Therefore, the latex allergy is common in this profession. If people often come into contact with latex through medical interventions, they also have an increased risk of developing a latex allergy. If there is already an allergy or other disease with an overwhelming immune response, as in asthma or atopic dermatitis, this is accompanied by an increased tendency for a latex allergy.

Avoid latex in everyday life

Since the latex content is not adequately labeled in many commodities, it is not easy to completely avoid latex in everyday life. Especially often the following products contain latex:

• Condoms and diaphragm
• mattresses
• adhesives
• balloons
• Pacifier and Nipple Bottle Attachments
• Erasers and chewing gum
• Elastic bands (sewn into clothing)
• Shoes
• Household gloves
• car tire

cross allergies

Patients suffering from a latex allergy sometimes also have an allergic reaction to certain foods. In these cases one speaks of a cross allergy. Banana, kiwi, fig or avocado are common triggers. But certain plants also have an allergenic effect in many cases. These include the mulberry tree, rubber trees, poinsettias, hemp or oleander.

Latex allergy: examinations and diagnosis

If you suspect a latex allergy, you should consult a doctor. He will first ask a few questions in order to estimate the risk of an allergy.

• What are your complaints?
• Do you suffer from other allergies?
• What profession are you following?

This is followed by a detailed examination of the affected skin site. Finally, the doctor has several allergic tests available to help him diagnose a latex allergy.

Prick test

During the prick test, the skin is first slightly scratched in some places. Then you drip various allergens on it. After 15 to 20 minutes you can already tell if the skin is allergic. In a latex allergy, reddening and / or swelling can then be found on the area drizzled with latex.

RAST test

In the RAST test, the patient is bled to see if antibodies to natural latex are present in them. Since the antibodies can not be detected in any case, this test is less meaningful than the prick test.

Provocation Test

One carries out this test to unequivocally diagnose a latex allergy. The patient is put on a latex glove for 20 minutes. If symptoms occur such as skin changes or circulatory problems, the glove is removed immediately. The diagnosis is considered secure. Since dangerous allergy symptoms can occur, patients are closely monitored during the test.

Latex allergy: treatment

Patients suffering from a latex allergy should avoid latex. Latex-free gloves or latex-free condoms are now widely available. If those affected are more often confronted with latex products in their jobs, they can find out about protective measures at the workplace from the company doctor or the employers’ liability insurance association. Sometimes, however, the profession must be changed to avoid the latex.

Allergy pass and emergency kit

Every allergic person should carry an allergy passport. This passport lists what the person is allergic to. It is also important to show the allergy pass on medical appointments, so that the medical staff will apply appropriate latex-free products. People with allergies should continue to have an emergency kit with them. It contains medications that can reduce the immune system and stabilize the circulation in the event of a pronounced allergic reaction.

drugs

Various medications are used to relieve the symptoms of latex allergy. Antihistamines, for example, inhibit the formation of so-called histamines. Histamines are secreted by special blood or tissue cells during an immune reaction and heat up the allergic reaction. They also cause an unpleasant itching.

Sometimes cortisone must be given in ointments or tablet form to reduce the immune system. In a severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body, cortisone and antihistamines must be injected into the vein as emergency medications.

Latex allergy: disease course and prognosis

Why allergies arise is not yet clear. Researchers see an interaction of many factors as the cause of allergies. In the case of latex allergy, it was found that early skin contact with latex is a risk factor for the development of a latex allergy. For example, babies with an “open back” (spina bifida) were previously operated on with latex-containing gloves. These children were much more likely to have latex allergy in older age than children without spina bifida. Early contact with latex during surgery should be the cause of allergy.

Although the latex allergy usually develops only at a higher age, it usually lasts a lifetime. Those affected should avoid contact with latex to stay symptom free. Sometimes that means for those affected that the profession needs to be changed to avoid further exposure to latex. Here the professional association or the company doctor can support. As more and more latex-free products are used, it has been possible to reduce the incidence of latex allergy observe.