Latex allergy is an exaggerated and sudden reaction of the immune system in response to some proteins contained in natural rubber latex.
What to do
- Avoid any possible contact with natural latex materials
- Wear vinyl gloves or hypoallergenic, completely produced with substances such as silicone, nitrile, isoprene, neoprene, styrene-butadiene
- Always report a latex allergy to the doctor / dentist before undergoing a check-up or surgery
- Bring a bracelet or a tag indicating the latex allergy
- Undergo tests for allergies in case of genetic predisposition (allergic parents), spina bifida, other allergies, asthma
- In case of latex allergy, it is a good rule to pay particular attention to the composition of a specific object: many products are formulated with latex
- Take the contraceptive pill or use other contraceptive methods (in the case of a sexually active life) that do not involve contact with latex
- Bring appropriate medicines (antihistamines, adrenaline, cortisonics) with you
What NOT to do
- Wear latex gloves
- Working in the rubber industry in case of suspected or ascertained latex allergy
- Stay in contact with other people wearing latex gloves
- Touching baby bottles or toys: many of these contain latex
- Touch the rubber trees: many higher plants (angiosperms) produce latex
- Use a condom or natural latex diaphragm: prefer other contraceptive methods or choose hypoallergenic models
- Wear allergen-containing gloves containing talc
- Scratch and rub the skin at the point of contact with the latex
- Expose yourself to the sun without UV protection
What to eat
- It is possible to consume all those foods considered "safe", ie those foods that cannot develop cross-reactions with latex allergens.
What NOT to Eat
- Vegetables containing food allergens which, through cross-reactivity, can trigger adverse reactions similar to those that would occur if they come into contact with latex proteins: avocado, pineapple, banana, carrot, chestnuts, fig, passion fruit, kiwi, melon, potato, tomato, sage. People who are allergic to latex can develop even severe allergic reactions after taking these foods
Natural Cures and Remedies
- Chamomile-based ointments ( Matricaria camomilla L.) → anti-inflammatory, soothing properties
- Ointments formulated with calendula ( Calendula officinalis L.) → calming and soothing properties
- Hypericum- based creams ( Hypericum perforatum ) → anti-inflammatory and healing properties
- Sweet almond oil ( Prunus dulcis or Prunus amygdalus ) → antipruritic, soothing and nourishing properties
- Oat based creams ( Avena sativa ) → anti-reddening and antipruritic properties
- Borage oil ( Borago officinalis ) → soothing, calming, anti-itching properties
- Camphor ( Cinnamomum Camphora ) → antipruritic, analgesic (bland) and soothing properties
No natural remedy is indicated for treating anaphylaxis: anaphylactic shock from a latex reaction must be treated with specific drugs.
Pharmacological care
- Topical steroidal drugs: betamethasone (eg celestone, bentelan, diprosone), hydrocortisone (eg Locoidon, Colifoam), Clobetasol (eg Clobesol cream, Clobetasol PFA ointment, Olux cutaneous foam)
- Oral steroid drugs: Prednisone (eg Deltacortene, Lodotra)
- Administration of antihistamines per os: Desloratadine (Ex. Neoclarityn, azomyt, Aerius), Fexofenadine (eg Fixodin, Telfast), Cetirizine (eg Zyrtec)
- Adrenaline or epinephrine (eg Jext, Adrenal, Fastjekt): for emergency treatment (anaphylactic shock)
- Local anesthetics: Tetracaine (or Pantocaine), Lidocaine (eg Xylocaine, Lidofast, Luan CHIR)
The drugs listed above are only indicated to alleviate latex allergy symptoms, so they do not affect the underlying cause.
No drug can completely cure latex allergy
Prevention
- Wear synthetic gloves, without talc and strictly latex-free
- If necessary, bring with you adrenaline based pharmacological preparations (to promptly treat any possible anaphylactic reaction from allergy to latex)
Medical treatments
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients with anaphylaxis induced by latex allergy
- Perform an emergency adrenaline injection (in cases of severe allergic latex reaction)
