Latex Allergy (cont.)
How is latex allergy treated?
Avoidance of the provoking agent (allergen), such
as latex, is the most effective way to manage any allergy. Latex
free synthetic rubber, such as neoprene, nitrile, SBR, Butyl,
and Vitron are polymers that are available as alternatives to
natural rubber. There are no naturally occurring proteins in them
and they are NOT responsible for latex allergy. Labeling is extremely
important, but mandatory labeling is currently not required.
Patients who are known to be allergic should avoid
any product that might contain latex until the latex content is
determined by contacting the manufacturer. Even products labeled
"safe latex" (which indicates lower proportions of natural
latex) can cause latex allergy. There is no safe latex for latex
allergic sufferers. Federal legislation is pending on truth and
labeling for latex products. Powderless gloves are a great help
in preventing airborne latex and have been very helpful in reducing
surgical exposure of latex for the health care worker and the
patient. No current treatment is available to desensitize the
person allergic to latex. Treatment of reactions includes
antihistamines, adrenaline, and steroids.
Latex-Containing Products (partial list):
Band-Aids, rubber bands, erasers, some shoes and
articles of clothing, balloons, surgical gloves, catheters, condoms,
some items of sporting equipment , blood pressure cuffs, some
watch bands, helmets, tooth brush massagers, bowling balls and
ventilator tubing.
- Latex allergy is dramatically on the rise
throughout the world.
- Latex allergy rises with exposure and is suspected to continue to rise until a latex substitute is found.
- Latex allergy can be serious.
- Latex is found in more than 40,000 products and is a common component of surgical gloves.
Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2002
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