How many things do we use in our daily lives that are made of rubber? Gloves used for housework, balloons brought for birthday parties, some medical equipment, all of these are related to rubber. But have you ever thought that when you touch or use some of these things, even if they are not directly touching your body, they can cause your skin to become red, itchy, and cause small blisters? At times like these, we have to think a little about whether this is a 'rubber allergy' or a ' latex allergy '.
What exactly is a latex allergy?
Simply put, a latex allergy is when your body's immune system overreacts to certain proteins in natural rubber latex. Our immune system's job is to protect us from germs that can cause illness. But sometimes, this system mistakes even harmless substances (in this case, the proteins in rubber) as a big enemy and starts fighting against them. As a result of that fight, we develop allergy symptoms.
Doctors have not yet found a specific cause for this, but it is believed that continuous exposure to rubber-containing products may be a major cause of this condition.
Who is most at risk of developing this allergy?
Although anyone can develop this allergy , some people are at a slightly higher risk.
- Healthcare workers: This risk is higher for those who regularly use rubber gloves, such as doctors and nurses.
- People who have undergone frequent surgeries: The more surgeries you have, the more likely you are to be exposed to medical equipment containing rubber.
- People working in the rubber industry.
- People with certain medical conditions:
- People who have a defect in their bone marrow cells.
- People with any deformity of the bladder or urinary tract.
- People who use a urinary catheter for a long time.
- People with the birth defect spina bifida .
- Those who already suffer from other conditions such as allergies, asthma or eczema.
- People who are allergic to certain foods (e.g. bananas, avocados, pineapples, kiwis, raw potatoes, tomatoes)
- People who use condoms .
What are the main types of rubber allergy?
Reactions to rubber can be divided into three main types. These are different from each other, so it is very important to be aware of them.
| Reaction Type | Characteristics and description |
|---|---|
| 1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis (Skin injury ) | This is not really an allergy. It is a condition caused by repeated skin contact with chemicals in rubber gloves. It can cause things like dry skin, itching, inflammation, and peeling of the skin. These symptoms usually appear within 12-24 hours of touching the rubber. |
| 2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Delayed onset allergy) | This is a true allergy. It is caused by the body's reaction to additives used in rubber production. The symptoms are the same as those mentioned above, but are more severe, spread over a larger area of the body, and last longer. Symptoms can take 1-4 days to appear. |
| 3. Immediate Allergic Reaction (Severe allergic reaction that occurs suddenly) | This is the most dangerous and severe type . Symptoms such as runny nose, red and watery eyes, hives, severe itching, and stomach cramps can occur immediately. In rare cases, rapid heartbeat, shaking, chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and a severe allergic reaction called `anaphylaxis` can occur, which can be life-threatening. |
| Important: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat/mouth, or chest pain, inform your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. | |
How is it treated?
The most important thing is that there is no permanent cure for latex allergy. The best thing to do is to stay away from things that contain rubber as much as possible.
If you have an allergic reaction, the treatment you receive will depend on its severity.
For minor skin problems
Your doctor may recommend things like:
- Antihistamines.
- Creams or pills containing corticosteroids.
- Lotions like calamine that soothe the skin.
If a severe reaction occurs
In such a situation, you need to be hospitalized and treated immediately.
- Epinephrine injection.
- Giving intravenous fluids (`IV fluids`).
- Under strict surveillance by medical staff.
If you know you have a severe latex allergy, it is very important to wear a medical alert bracelet and always carry an epinephrine injection if your doctor recommends it.
What things around us may contain rubber?
Rubber can be found in more things than you think. If you have an allergy, you should be very careful about this. Always read product labels carefully.
Things found at home
- Rubber gloves for dishwashing and household cleaning
- Rubber stopper that stops water in the sink
- Cutlery, toothbrushes, pens with rubber handles
- Rubber-backed bath mats and rugs
- Sanitary napkins and baby nappies (may contain rubber)
- Elastic bands in underwear and socks
- Balloons
- Rubber toys
- Condoms and diaphragms
Outside the home and medical equipment
- Some types of balloons
- Gloves used by doctors, tourniquets, and parts of a stethoscope
- Some adhesive bandages
- Dental equipment
Can you be allergic to not only rubber, but also to some foods?
Yes! This is something that many people don't know. About 30% - 50% of people with latex allergies may also be allergic to certain foods. This is called a 'cross-reaction'.
That is, the structure of the proteins in some fruits and vegetables is very similar to the allergenic proteins in rubber. Therefore, the body's immune system mistakes these foods as 'the enemy'.
Some foods that can cause such cross-reactions are:
- Avocado
- Banana
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Mango
- Tomato
- Potatoes
If you have an allergy to this type of food, you may also have a latex allergy without realizing it. So be sure to inform your doctor and dentist about this.
What should you do when you go to see a doctor if you have this allergy?
This is very important. Be sure to do these things for your safety.
1. Give advance notice: Call your doctor or dentist at least 24 hours before your appointment and let them know about your latex allergy. This way they can prepare things like non-latex gloves.
2. Make an appointment in the morning: Make an appointment for the first doctor of the day. Because when rubber gloves are used on other patients, small particles of them can float in the air. Going first thing in the morning can minimize your exposure to those particles.
Take-Home Message
- Latex allergy is a serious condition that can worsen over time, so don't take it lightly.
- The best treatment for this is to avoid products containing rubber.
- When purchasing products, read labels carefully and be aware of hidden rubber.
- If you have this allergy, inform all your doctors (doctors, dentists) before visiting them.
- If you experience a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Keep in mind that cross-reactions can occur not only to rubber, but also to certain foods, and talk to your doctor about that as well.
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