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Latex allergies

Latex gloves and other latex rubber materials, contain natural latex. These gloves are often added with cornstarch powder to reduce friction, like when a surgeon dons the glove and many other chemicals. It is important to point out that anything that is foreign to the body can cause an allergic reaction depending on the gravity of the human body's response to it. The body can react in different ways. Normally, there would be little to no reaction at all. However when one is allergic to the latex, in a glove for example, there are three major possible reactions. The least dangerous of these is a reaction that is contained locally, called Irritant Dermatitis. This is when the latex causes an irritation in the skin in contact to it but does not involve the systemic immune response of the body. This is not considered an allergic response, however, irritant hand dermatitis causes breaks in the skin integrity which could permit a lot more of the sensitizing latex proteins or chemicals to enter into the body. This could turn an uncomplicated dermatitis into a full blown latex allergy. Irritant Dermatitis could also be caused by inadequate drying after washing the hands, scrubbing the skin too hard or using very strong detergents, the mechanical abrasion sometimes caused by the glove powder, or anything that could dry the skin and encourage cracks and cuts in it. The second reaction that the body could have is the Delayed Cutaneous Hypersensitivity or the Type IV Allergy. This reaction is still local, limited to the skin exposed to the allergen and mediated by the T-cell lymphocytes. The danger, again, is when the skin breaks and permits the entry of more of the allergen. The difference of this reaction is that the signs of the reaction are seen 6 to 48 hours after exposure. The third possible reaction of the body is the Type I Allergy. It is a systemic allergic reaction and its symptoms occur almost immediately or half an hour after exposure to latex. The reaction is caused by the Immunoglobulin E antibodies that are specific to the proteins found in natural latex. A person can be exposed to latex through different routes like cutaneous, (skin), mucus membranes (nose, mouth), aerosol (inhalation), or parenteral (blood). The symptoms could range from a not-so-serious case of rhinitis or conjunctivitis to hives and asthma brought about by bronchoconstriction. It is when these symptoms are full-blown than they become fatal like cases of hypotension and anaphylaxis. In the use of surgical gloves, it is not only the latex that is the issue. The use of cornstarch powder, which has been a staple in glove manufacturing to reduce friction, also plays a major role in the allergies caused by latex gloves. Research has shown that the cornstarch powder binds with the latex proteins in the gloves. This union allows the antigen in the gloves to reach the wearer's skin (especially when the skin becomes moist) and, ultimately, the patient the person is in contact with. Also, when the gloves are removed, the cornstarch powder is released into the air carrying with it the latex proteins. This is the major factor that causes most of the aerosolized latex allergies. Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Allergies Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Latex allergies - no fun

Though latex is a fun fashion material there are people who have acquired some certain sensitivity to it. Latex allergy is not unheard of. Latex, or rubber, is a natural product made from the milky sap of the rubber tree. A person with latex allergy is someone who is very sensitive to substances found in natural latex and suffers an adverse reaction when in contact with the material. The thin, and stretchy latex rubber found in gloves, balloons and condoms contains high levels of this protein and is more allergic than other products made of rubber. What causes latex allergy in people is unknown. But frequent exposure to latex for a long period of time could make the symptoms appear. The main source of latex allergy today is rubber gloves. Other products such as adhesive tape, bandages and most medical equipment also use latex. Latex allergy symptoms Latex allergy symptoms can start as mild and then progress to a severe allergic reaction. There are three stages of latex allergy reactions: · Irritant contact dermatitis – this is the mild allergic reaction to a latex sensitivity. The usual symptoms are dryness, burning, scaling, and itching of the skin. · Allergic contact dermatitis – this is more persistent latex allergy attack. The symptoms of dryness, itching, burning and scaling of the skin also appear but it spreads to other parts of the body and the burning sensation is very severe. · Immediate allergic reaction or latex hypersensitivity – this is the worst case of latex allergy attacks. The symptoms show up as allergic rhinitis, with frequent sneezing, runny nose, sinusitis and watery eyes. Then conjunctivitis sets in on the eyes, hives and severe itching follows. This stage is quite rare but if left untreated, the latex allergy attack can become a full-blown anaphylactic shock and can lead to death. Latex Allergy Treatment Getting a treatment for latex allergy attacks is done by immediately removing the cause of the allergic reaction. There are medicines that can be used to give relief from the itchiness and swelling of the skin, depending on the degree of the symptoms. For anaphylaxis, the only treatment is a dose of epinephrine. Latex allergy not only extends itself to rubber products but it is also present in food. There are proteins in rubber that are also found in foods, which is why a person with latex allergy can be misdiagnosed as having food allergy. The foods with similar rubber proteins are banana, avocado, kiwi fruit, chestnut and tomato. Latex Allergy Prevention Preventing latex allergy attacks can be done by avoiding contact with rubber or natural latex, using powder-free or those non-latex gloves, steering clear of latex-riddled areas (like the hospital) and sticking to an almost no fruit diet. As of now, there is no known cure of latex allergy symptoms. The only way to defeat this allergic reaction is by following the doctor’s advice and keeping your environment latex-free. One final reminder to anyone with a latex allergy. If you think you have one or a doctor diagnosed you, make sure you wear a Medic Alert bracelet. This will alert the hospital staff of your condition and will avoid using any latex product when taking care of you. It’s really no fun when you have an allergy. The best way to deal with such condition is to stay out of contact with any allergen and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. ---------------------------------------- Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. ----------------------------------------- Charlene J. Nuble For answers to All your frequently asked questions about latex allergy, please go to: Latex Allergy or go to: Allergy Answers or to: All About Allergies Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Nuble