The Most Important Facts about Latex Allergy

When a person is discovered to be allergic to latex, the best way to avoid the symptoms is to stay away from this substance by any means. As latex clothing products are not used so frequently, it is very easy to replace these with clothes made from other materials. As latex allergy is provoked by certain proteins found in natural rubber, it is very important to know that not only latex contains these substances.

The natural rubber is extensively used by the companies that produce condoms. Although it has been reported that the condoms are among the best contraceptive solutions, the persons who suffer from a latex allergy must avoid them by any means. The target of this advice is not represented only by men. If during the sexual intercourse the condom is used as a contraceptive method, then both persons may develop an allergic reaction. Another product made of latex that has such a purpose is represented by the diaphragm.

Latex allergy may also appear when just making contact with such products, not only when using them extensively. The simple contact triggers the reaction. Though, when products that contain latex are touched or used by people who are allergic to latex, the body believes that the latex proteins are dangerous substances. As a reaction, a group of chemical substances is released by the antibodies in order to counterattack the latex proteins. One of the substances is named histamine.

As most of the types of allergies, latex allergy is characterized by inflammation of the skin and respiratory tract. The symptoms become obvious within a few minutes or a few hours after making contact with the natural rubber. Although these symptoms are not dangerous and do not persist more than a day, it is better to prevent them than to experience them. Furthermore, in seldom cases a very severe reaction named anaphylaxis can be observed. The blood pressure decreases significantly and respiration is performed with difficulty. Because of the low blood pressure, people risk to pass out.

The diagnosis and the treatment of latex allergy do not differ from the ones of any other type of allergy. The diagnosis consists of blood and skin tests, for the beginning. The treatment is usually based on epinephrine, which is a substance that relieves the symptoms. However, the best way to prevent the symptoms is to avoid all the products that contain this substance.