Latex is a protein found in the sap of a rubber tree grown in Africa and Southeast Asia. The term also refers to natural rubber products made from that sap.
Many everyday products contain latex, such as:
- Balloons
- Erasers
- Condoms and diaphragms
- Rubber household gloves
- Medical gloves
- Catheters
- Dental products (wedges, orthodontic rubber bands)
- Elastic in clothing
- Rubber balls
- Bandages (adhesives)
- Foam mattresses and pillows
- Rubber bands (minor source)
This is just a small number of items that may contain latex.
If you have a latex allergy, you may have an allergic reaction if you come in contact with latex. You may come into contact in different ways. You may have allergic reactions by breathing in latex fibers in the air. You can have allergic reactions if latex touches your skin. You may have an allergic reaction to some fruits that cross-react with latex.
Synthetic latex, found in latex paint, does not come from the sap of a rubber tree. Synthetic latex does not cause latex allergy symptoms.
How Do Doctors Diagnose a Latex Allergy?
If you think you may be allergic to latex, see a board-certified allergist to confirm the allergy. To diagnose a latex allergy, the doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. If they think you have a latex allergy, they may order an allergy skin test or blood test. Your doctor will compare your test results with your history and physical exam to diagnose a latex allergy.
What Are the Types of Latex Reactions?
There are two main types of reactions to natural rubber latex:
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated (classic immediate allergic reaction)
- Contact dermatitis (delayed allergic reaction)
If you have any type of allergic reaction to latex, you should avoid it.
IgE-Mediated Latex Allergy
An IgE-mediated latex allergy is an allergy to natural rubber latex proteins. Your body’s immune system makes specific antibodies called IgE antibodies. These antibodies react with latex proteins and cause allergy symptoms.
An allergic reaction can occur when latex:
- Touches your skin
- Comes in contact with a mucous membrane, such as your mouth
- Gets into your lungs when you breathe in latex particles
IgE allergic reactions to latex can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis].
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis means skin inflammation. There are two types of contact dermatitis that can occur with a latex allergy:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of allergy to chemicals used to make latex. This is not a reaction to rubber proteins. It usually does not cause anaphylaxis.
These chemicals can cause contact dermatitis 24 to 48 hours after exposure. This type of dermatitis can spread to other areas of your body, if touched. Symptoms usually go away spontaneously, but you may need medical treatment if they continue.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a common reaction to natural rubber latex, but it is not an allergy. Irritant contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that breaks out where latex has touched your skin. It appears 12 to 24 hours after contact.
Irritant contact dermatitis can be the result of:
- Frequent handwashing and incomplete drying
- Use of hand sanitizers
- Friction irritation from glove powder
Many people who develop an IgE-mediated latex allergy will have contact dermatitis first. If you have contact dermatitis to latex, it may be a warning that you could develop a latex allergy later. Talk with your allergist if contact with latex and products that contain latex cause you to have contact dermatitis.
What Are the Symptoms of a Latex Allergy?
You may have some early symptoms after you have contact with latex items, such as:
- Itchy or swollen lips after blowing up a balloon
- Itchy, red, or swollen skin after using a bandage and/or latex gloves
- Swelling or itching of the mouth or tongue after a dentist uses latex gloves
- Itching or swelling after vaginal or rectal exams
- Itching or swelling after using a condom or diaphragm
If you are highly allergic to latex, you may have severe reactions from contact with latex. You may even react to a small amount of latex in the air, such as being in a room near latex balloons or gloves. These more severe reactions can include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Breathing problems including asthma symptoms
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis can be serious. It can even cause death.
Do not ignore symptoms that suggest you may be allergic to latex. Continued contact with latex products can lead to more severe reactions. Repeated exposure to latex may lead to chronic conditions like work-related (occupational) asthma.
Who Is Likely to Have a Latex Allergy?
Certain groups of people tend to have a greater risk of developing a latex allergy. These groups include:
- People who have had many surgeries or medical procedures – for example, children with spina bifida or people who frequently use catheters containing latex
- Health care workers and other people who often wear latex gloves (for example, food handlers/restaurant workers, hairdressers, security personnel, first responders, and painters)
- People with other allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and food allergies
New cases of latex allergy aren’t as common now. Rates were higher in the 1980s and ‘90s when health care workers used latex products more often. Now many health care facilities use non-latex gloves and products.
How Can I Prevent Allergic Reactions to Latex?
If you have a latex allergy, work with your doctor to learn how to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat it.
- Avoid latex. The only treatment for a latex allergy is to prevent any contact with latex products.
- Ask coworkers to wear only non-latex gloves.
- Ask doctors, dentists, and other health care workers to use latex-free gloves and products.
- Check labels to make sure products do not contain latex. Do not assume hypoallergenic products are latex free.
- Ask your doctor for a written anaphylaxis action plan. This gives you steps on what to do in an emergency.
- Learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector. This medicine is the first line of treatment for an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is safe. After using an epinephrine auto-injector, immediately call 911 and seek medical care.
- Have epinephrine with you at all times.
- Teach people who spend time with you how to use the auto-injector device.
- Wear a medical alert ID or jewelry so other people, such as first responders or health care workers, know you have a latex allergy in an emergency.
Are Latex and Food Allergies Related?
Some foods have proteins that are like the proteins in rubber tree sap. If you have a latex allergy, you may have reactions to some foods. This is called “latex-fruit syndrome” or “latex-food allergy syndrome.” About 30 to 50% of people with a latex allergy have latex-fruit syndrome.1
Here are some of the foods you may react to if you have a latex allergy:
- Most common:
- Avocado
- Banana
- Bell pepper
- Chestnut
- Fig
- Kiwi
- Peach
- Tomato
- Less common:
- Apricot
- Celery
- Coconut
- Mango
- Papaya
- Passion fruit
- Pineapple
- Spinach
- Strawberry
Medical Review: July 2022 by John James, MD
A latex allergy happens when a person’s immune system launches an attack against natural rubber latex, which is used in many products. Allergic reactions to latex range from mild to severe, and they can even be fatal. There is no cure. People with this allergy should avoid latex.
A latex allergy is a reaction to natural rubber latex, a substance that comes from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Many products are made with natural rubber latex, including rubber exam gloves, balloons and condoms. Reactions to latex range from mild to severe and can even be fatal.
People with latex allergies can have an allergic reaction when they inhale (breathe in) latex particles or come into physical contact with latex. Symptoms of a reaction to latex include skin irritation, rash, hives, runny nose and difficulty breathing. There is no cure for a latex allergy. People with this condition should avoid products with latex and consider the use of a med-alert bracelet.
How common are latex allergies?
Latex allergies are rare. Less than 1% of people in the United States are allergic to latex. Latex allergies have decreased in recent years because more hospitals now use latex-free and powder-free gloves.
Anyone can develop a latex allergy, but some people have a higher risk of developing the condition. Risk factors for latex allergy include:
- Repeated exposure to latex: Frequent contact with latex can cause your body to overreact and develop an allergic reaction. People who regularly wear latex gloves are more likely to develop an allergy to latex. Healthcare providers, dentists and people who work in the beauty industry have a higher risk.
- Frequent surgical procedures: Children and adults who have had several surgeries have an increased risk of developing a latex allergy. Children with spina bifida are especially likely to have a latex allergy because treatment for the condition includes multiple medical procedures and surgeries at a young age. Medical supplies for these procedures (including catheters and rubber gloves) often contain latex.
- History of allergies: Other allergies, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), often occur along with a latex allergy. People who are allergic to latex may be allergic to certain foods, including bananas, kiwis, avocados and chestnuts. The connection between latex allergies and food allergies is called latex-food syndrome.
What are the types of latex allergy?
There are two types of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. The types of latex reactions are:
- IgE-mediated latex allergy (type I): A person with type I latex allergy is allergic to a protein from the natural rubber tree. Exposure to latex causes the immune system to make IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. These antibodies cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. IgE-mediated latex allergies can be life-threatening.
- Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (type IV): This allergy causes skin irritation and inflammation (contact dermatitis). Blisters may form on the skin, and they may ooze liquid. Cell-mediated contact dermatitis is not life-threatening, but may be very bothersome and in some cases progress to also involve IgE-mediated latex allergy.
Signs of an allergic reaction to latex can be mild or severe. They can appear right after exposure to latex or up to a few hours later. You might not have symptoms the first time you come into contact with latex. Latex allergy symptoms include:
- Skin irritation: Itching, inflammation, redness and swelling appear after skin contact with latex. For example, you may have itchy lips after blowing up a balloon or vaginal irritation after having sex with a partner who used a latex condom.
- Rash: An itchy rash appears where the latex touched your skin. A latex allergy rash usually occurs within a day after exposure. The rash can spread if it touches skin on other parts of your body. But you can get a rash from other factors, such as using too much hand sanitizer or washing your hands too often.
- Hives, runny nose and sneezing: Itchy, watery eyes and inflammation around the nose and mouth are common. Eyes may become swollen and red.
- Trouble breathing: People who have severe allergic reactions may wheeze or have difficulty breathing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur. Anaphylaxis can be fatal. If you or someone you know is having an allergic reaction and can’t breathe, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
What causes latex allergic reactions?
During an IgE-mediated allergic reaction, your body’s immune system overreacts to a substance (like latex) that isn’t harmful to most people. Your immune system tries to protect you by releasing a chemical called histamine into your bloodstream. Histamine causes symptoms of an allergic reaction. You may experience hives, runny nose and trouble breathing.
An allergic reaction to latex can happen when you touch or come into contact with latex products. Your immune system may also react if you breathe in tiny latex particles in the air. You may not have a reaction the first time you’re exposed to latex. With each exposure, your allergic reactions may get worse.
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and exposure to latex. You should share information about other allergies you have, including reactions to foods. If you have a family history of allergies, tell your provider.
Your provider may order a blood test to check if you’re allergic to latex. Providers also use a skin prick test to diagnose a latex allergy.
What is a skin prick test?
This common test might be a little uncomfortable, but it isn’t painful. Your provider puts a small amount of latex on your skin (usually on your forearm or back) and scratches or pricks the skin with a needle. Scratching the skin allows a bit of latex to get under the surface.
If you’re allergic to latex, the area will become red and itchy. You may develop raised welts called wheals (they look like hives). The skin irritation and wheals show that your immune system is reacting. It usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes for a reaction to occur.
There is no cure for latex allergy. If you are allergic to latex, you should:
- Avoid products that contain latex.
- Tell providers, caregivers, teachers and friends that they’re allergic.
- Avoid areas where latex may be in the air, such as a hospital room where providers use latex gloves.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about wearing a medical alert bracelet. In a medical emergency, the bracelet lets others know you’re allergic to latex.
- If an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to latex is diagnosed, you should carry injectable epinephrine with you. Show caregivers, friends and family members how to give you an injection if you’re having a reaction and can’t inject yourself.
There is no way to prevent a latex allergy, but you may be able to avoid an allergic reaction. If you’re allergic to latex, you should avoid products that contain latex. Before a medical procedure or dental work, tell your providers about your allergy. Ask them to use latex-free gloves and equipment.
When ordering from a restaurant, if you have a severe latex allergy, ask the person who prepares your food to wear latex-free gloves.
Many everyday household items, medical equipment and clothing contain latex. It’s essential to read labels carefully. You should avoid products that contain latex, including:
- Balloons.
- Parts of clothing and shoes, such as elastic in underwear, raincoats and rain boots, and the soles of sneakers or other shoes.
- Items around the house, including rubber bands, carpet backing, and some toys and bandages.
- Personal care items like sanitary napkins, condoms and diaphragms.
- Pacifiers and nipples for baby bottles.
- Some types of makeup, face paint and masks used for costumes.
What foods should I avoid if I have a latex allergy?
Several foods can cause an allergic reaction in people with a latex allergy. Most people with latex allergy are not allergic to these foods, and you should only avoid them if directed by your allergy/ immunology healthcare provider. Foods more likely to cause a reaction in people with latex allergy include:
- Chestnuts.
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, avocados, peaches, kiwi, nectarines, melon, figs, papayas and tomatoes.
- Vegetables such as potatoes, celery and carrots.
Most people manage a latex allergy with the help of an allergist (healthcare provider who specializes in allergies). By making lifestyle changes and avoiding foods that can cause a reaction, it is possible to avoid an allergic reaction. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to stay away from latex and stay safe.
If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to latex, see your provider right away. If your throat is swelling or you’re having trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Don’t ignore signs of an allergic reaction. A latex allergy can be fatal, and it’s essential to get help immediately.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Millions of people manage allergies by making lifestyle changes, such as reading labels carefully and avoiding certain foods. These changes aren’t always easy, but they are a vital part of staying well. With the help of an allergy specialist, you can lower your risk of an allergic response. Learn to recognize signs of a reaction so you can get help right away, and let others know about your allergy so they can act fast if you need assistance.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/26/2020.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Latex Allergy. (//www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/latex-allergy) Accessed 10/29/2020.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Latex Allergy. (//acaai.org/allergies/types/latex-allergy) Accessed 10/29/2020.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Latex Allergy. (//www.aafa.org/latex-allergy/) Accessed 10/29/2020.
- Merck Manual. Overview of Allergic Reactions. (//www.merckmanuals.com/home/immune-disorders/allergic-reactions-and-other-hypersensitivity-disorders/overview-of-allergic-reactions) Accessed 10/29/2020.
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