Latex allergy: causes and symptoms?

A natural sap

Latex is a white substance derived from plants. Although it can be produced by many different trees, the latex used commercially comes mainly from one tree: Hevea brasiliensis . It is from this latex that natural rubber is made.

A kind of sticky sap, latex is secreted by cells located under the bark of the tree. A simple incision in the bark is all that is needed to collect it.

The use of latex and rubber

This substance is so versatile that it is now found in tens of thousands of industrial products. Some of the best-known uses are: latex gloves used in laboratories, kitchens and hospitals, birthday balloons, chewing gum and condoms…

An allergy is an inappropriate and excessive reaction by the immune system to a normally harmless substance. Feeling threatened, our body releases antibodies and histamine in large quantities, triggering an inflammatory reaction designed to protect the body.

A latex allergy is generally caused by repeated direct contact between an object containing latex and the skin or mucous membranes of a reactive individual. This is the case, for example, for medical staff who wear latex gloves for many hours, day after day. This allergy can also be transmitted via the respiratory tract.

The list of symptoms is lengthy, and it is not always easy to identify the origin of the allergy.

Latex contains a protein substance that is thought to be the main source of allergy. This protein can be absorbed by the body through the skin, during prolonged physical contact, or through the respiratory tract.

An allergic reaction to latex generally occurs within minutes of exposure to a latex-containing object. You may experience an unpleasant skin reaction or breathing difficulties. You can refer to the list of symptoms above.

If you suspect you have a latex allergy, make an appointment with a doctor or allergist.

How do you know if you're allergic to latex?

Latex allergies mainly affect people who are repeatedly exposed to it, such as medical or kitchen staff.

If you suspect you have a latex allergy, make an appointment with a doctor or allergist.

Skin tests will enable him or her to determine whether it is indeed an allergy.

Skin irritation

• Hives and rashes

• Swelling

• Allergic eczema

• Itching or burning sensation

Respiratory discomfort

• Runny nose

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Allergic rhinitis

Eye disorders

• Eye irritation

• Tearing

• Redness of the eyes or eyelids

Serious symptoms

If you're experiencing severe symptoms and breathing difficulties, emergency hospitalisation will become necessary.

• Angioedema of the face or larynx

• Asthma attacks

• Gastrointestinal pain

• Swelling of mucous membranes

• Anaphylactic shock: paleness, drop in blood pressure, malaise, loss of consciousness, risk of cardiac arrest

If you think you may be prone to latex allergies, it is essential to:

• Make an appointment with an allergist. An allergist can diagnose a specific type of allergy and allergens using skin tests.

• In the event of an allergic reaction, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointment or antihistamines. If the allergic reaction is severe, an intramuscular injection of adrenaline may be required.

• Find out about all existing sources of latex so that you can avoid them. There is currently no treatment for this type of allergy, and the only solution is to avoid latex altogether.

• Your doctor will be able to prescribe an emergency kit that you should always have with you if you are diagnosed with an allergy.

In naturopathy, we don't focus on the symptoms, instead we concentrate on solving the root cause when it comes to your allergy. An allergy is always the sign of an imbalance somewhere in the body. It prompts us to investigate the cause of the cause: is it intestinal porosity? Or liver congestion?

And there are many ways to solve the issue, through diet, relaxation, use of water internally and externally, use of the right plants, etc.

Marie-Adine is a naturopath and a graduate of the Institut de Naturopathie Humaniste. For several years now, she has been helping her clients to be proactive about their own health by creating personalised, educational programmes. Passionate about our emotions and their impact on our ability to heal, she teaches a range of health techniques to help us manage stress, improve sleep, and boost vitality.