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.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal. Causes of anaphylaxis can be food allergy, latex allergy, allergy to insect or but stings/bites, asthma, or other materials or conditions. Symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, rapid or irregular pulse. Severe symptoms may be throat and tongue swelling, swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Some disorders appear similar to anaphylaxis such as fainting, panic attacks, blood clots in the lungs, heart attacks, and septic shock. If you think that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency care or call 911 immedately.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
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