Latex is a soft white substance found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree. It is used to produce medical and consumer products, such as gloves, tubing, catheters, condoms, balloons, and shoe soles.
Individuals with latex allergy experience characteristic symptoms when exposed to latex, which include hives, itching, blisters on the back of the hand, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, and conjunctivitis. Latex can get absorbed from the skin or lungs through contaminated air.
In most severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, which involves severe breathing difficulty, fall in blood pressure, and shock. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
People working in the medical field, in housekeeping, or at restaurants are more likely to develop it due to repeated exposure to latex-containing material, especially gloves.
The mainstay of management is avoiding latex. Other treatment options include using antihistamines and topical steroids for symptomatic relief.
