Latex Allergy: MedlinePlus [NEW TOPIC PAGE]

NEW TOPIC PAGE ►
Latex Allergy: MedlinePlus

Managing latex allergies at home

07/01/2012 08:00 PM EDT ► Managing latex allergies at home : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Latex allergies - for hospital patients

07/01/2012 08:00 PM EDT ► Latex allergies - for hospital patients: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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National Institutes of Health

Latex Allergy

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Latex is a milky fluid that comes from the tropical rubber tree. Hundreds of everyday products contain latex. Repeated exposure to a protein in natural latex can make you more likely to develop a latex allergy. If your immune system detects the protein, a reaction can start in minutes. You could get a rash, asthma and in rare cases shock from latex exposure.
Latex products are all around you. Some common ones are

• Gloves
• Condoms
• Balloons
• Rubber bands
• Shoe soles
• Pacifiers

If you are allergic to latex, it is a good idea to learn which products contain it. That way, you can reduce your exposure. The most common reactions are to gloves and condoms. Latex-free alternatives exist for both.

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

• Latex allergies - for hospital patients
• Managing latex allergies at home

Related Topics

• Allergy
• Immune System

National Institutes of Health

• The primary NIH organization for research on Latex Allergy is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases