LATEX ALLERGIES

Although it may look and feel like a form of plastic, most latex is actually made from rubber that comes from the rubber tree. This means that like all plants, latex contains proteins, and proteins can cause allergies. Latex allergies usually result in skin irritations, including itchy rashes and hives, but in some cases, they can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis, which creates swelling in the throat and can cut off air supplies. This can occur after contact with any object that contain latex such as balloons, rubber gloves, and condoms. Other common allergy symptoms, including a runny nose, scratchy throat, wheezing, coughing, and sneezing can also be caused by a latex allergy.

P.S. While most allergic reactions to latex occur after contact with a person’s skin, products can release latex particles into the air which can be inhaled.

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