Latex allergy: causes and symptoms?

Redness, swelling, hives, etc. what if it's a latex allergy? Find out what the signs of a latex allergy are, how to avoid contact with latex on a daily basis and a naturopath's advice on understanding the causes of allergies. Symptoms, recommendations, cross-allergies, we take a look at latex allergy.

Reading time: 0 min.

What is latex?

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…

What is a latex allergy?

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.

Why am I allergic to latex? The causes

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.

How can you recognise a latex allergy?

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.

What are the associated symptoms?

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

A few recommendations:

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.

Expert advice

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.

Find out more

What products contain latex?

The list of items containing latex is lengthy, but it's important to know it if you're prone to this type of allergy.

In everyday objects

Cleaning gloves, condoms, birthday balloons (balloons), baby bottle teats, swimming caps and socks, flippers, diving tubes, swimming goggles and bathing caps, envelope glue, tennis racket grips, spectacle pads, some shoe soles, carpet, tyres, toys, bicycle handlebars, etc.

In medical equipment

Surgical gloves, certain syringes, infusions, catheters, drapes, elastic and adhesive bandages, orthodontic splints, etc.

If you are allergic to latex, remember to inform your doctors before any operation.

Can you gradually desensitise yourself to your latex allergy?

No, unfortunately there is no latex desensitisation treatment available today.

What should I do if I'm allergic to condoms?

It's probably not an allergy to condoms, but an allergy to latex. Fortunately, many condom brands now offer latex-free alternatives.

What is a latex cross-allergy?

1/3 of people allergic who are to latex also have allergic reactions to certain foods. This is known as a cross-allergy.

Latex and avocado allergy: what's the connection?

Cross-allergies can occur when the allergenic proteins in two products have a similar structure.

This is why many people allergic to latex are also allergic to avocado. But they are also allergic to many fruits such as pineapple, banana, chestnut, fig, kiwi, mango, melon, passion fruit, papaya, peach, grape, walnut, etc.

What can you do on a day-to-day basis?

  1. Avoid objects containing latex. And avoid fruit and vegetables that could cause a cross-allergy.

  2. Report your latex allergy to your healthcare professionals (doctor, gynaecologist, dentist, etc.).

  3. Replace latex objects with latex-free alternatives ( hypoallergenic gloves, latex-free condoms, etc.).

  4. Carry a card in your wallet stating your allergy, to inform first-aiders and medical staff in the event of an accident.

Spotlight on our specialist editor, Marie-Adine Bories

Marie-Adine is a naturopath and a graduate of the Institut de Naturopathie Humaniste. For several years now, she has been helping her customers 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.