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Home : No Latex : Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is latex?
Latex is the sap of rubber tree, and after it is processed with heat and chemicals, it is known as natural rubber. This rubber is widely used in medical equipment and supplies, including surgical gloves.
2. What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy occurs when a person has an allergic response to the latex proteins and/or the additives used during the manufacturing process. The reactions range from mild (skin rash, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes) to extreme (facial/throat swelling and difficulty breathing).
3. Why should I be concerned about having a latex allergy?
Since the AIDS epidemic in the 1980's, the use of latex gloves has increased a great deal. As well, the use of rubber products by the general population has been increasing steadily since the 1930's. This means that everybody, healthcare workers and the public are being exposed to latex products more than ever before. Products are not necessarily labeled as having latex in them, so sometimes it is difficult to know whether you are using a latex containing product. An increase in exposure to latex products means an increased risk for developing an allergy. This risk is especially increased for healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and dentists, as well as other workers who use latex gloves regularly, such as housekeepers or hairdressers.
4. How do I know if I have a latex allergy?
The only way to know for sure if you have a true latex allergy is to have allergy testing done. Some examples of common reactions that may be sign of latex allergy problem include the following:
- Skin rashes or reactions on your hands from wearing rubber gloves;
- Rashes on your face or skin from touching it if you did not wash your hands after wearing rubber gloves;
- Tingling, swelling or rashes on your lips or face after blowing up a balloon or having rubber products near your face; and,
- Skin rashes, itching, or swelling from wearing clothes with elastics next to your skin, such as a bra or underwear.
5. What does it mean to me if I have a latex allergy?
Many healthcare products in common usage in a healthcare facility contain latex. If you have a true latex allergy, you should tell the healthcare professionals before you receive care, so that products that don't contain latex can be used.
6. Why don't they just use latex-free products on everyone?
This would be difficult because there is not always a latex-free substitution for a product. In some instances, it would also be very expensive. Most people have no problems and use latex products all their life. However, for some people who have developed this allergy, latex-free products are the only solution. There is also the risk of not knowing if you have an allergy to latex. The only way to truly prevent latex allergies from occurring is avoiding products that contain latex.
7. What should I do if I think I may have a latex allergy?
You should visit your family doctor and tell them about your concerns. They can decide if your symptoms may be from a latex allergy or from some other problem. They will arrange for further testing if it is needed.
If you do have a latex allergy, you should wear a Medic Alert bracelet and be sure to tell healthcare workers about this allergy any time you receive healthcare.
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