What is a Latex Allergy?

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Being allergic to something may not seem to be a big deal to some people, but to others it can be life-changing. When someone is diagnosed with an allergy, especially when the allergen (the thing that triggers the body to have its allergic reaction) is very common in her environment, she may have to make many lifestyle changes to stay safe and healthy. The first step to treating an allergy is to understand fully what the allergy really is and how to keep one’s self safe. So what is a latex allergy? A latex allergy occurs when the human body decides that latex is a harmful substance and tries to fight it off; causing multiple symptoms, and sometimes being very hard to avoid.

Natural rubber latex is found in rubber trees, and is a white liquid. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), a latex allergy occurs when someone's body reacts to one or more of the proteins that are found in latex. (ACAAI) According to Mayo Clinic experts,

In a latex allergy, your immune system identifies latex as a harmful substance. With wheezing, runny nose or anaphylaxis, your immune system triggers certain cells to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight the latex component (the allergen). The next time you come in contact with latex, the IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. The more exposure you have, the more your immune system is likely to respond to latex (sensitization). These chemicals cause a range of allergic signs and symptoms. Histamine is partly [sic] responsible for most allergic responses. (ACAAI)

Some symptoms of an allergic reaction to latex are the following: red skin; itchy rashes; hives; wel...

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... Latex Allergy Association - Creating Awareness of Latex Allergy through Education and Support. American Latex Allergy Association, [2009?] N. Pag. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.

Cobb, Jr, Albert H. "Latex Allergies and Food Cross-Sensitivity." Allergy and Family Medicine ~ Dr. Albert Cobb. Allergy and Family Medicine, 2003. N. Pag. Web. 28 Nov. 2011.

"Cross Reactive Food : American Latex Allergy Association." American Latex Allergy Association - Creating Awareness of Latex Allergy through Education and Support. Ed. Tom Grier. American Latex Allergy Association. N. Pag. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.

More, Daniel. "Latex Allergy: Could You Be Allergic to Latex?" Latex Allergy (13 Sept. 2011). Allergies -- Allergy. New York Times, 13 Sept. 2011. N. Pag. Web. 28 Nov. 2011.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Latex Allergy - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 16 Nov. 2011. N. Pag. Web. 28 Nov. 2011.

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