First Time User? Enroll now.
COVID-19: Vaccine information, visitor restrictions, testing, treatment, and additional resources
Home > Health Library > Allergy to Natural Rubber (Latex)
Latex is natural rubber. It's a product made mostly from the rubber tree. Some people have allergic reactions after repeated contact with latex, especially latex gloves. Allergy to latex is an increasing health problem.
Latex allergy usually affects people who are routinely exposed to rubber products. This includes health care workers and rubber industry workers. It may also include people who've had multiple surgeries or procedures in which latex equipment and supplies were used.
Medical products that may contain latex include:
Personal or household products that may contain latex include:
Allergic reactions to latex can vary from minor to life-threatening. Or they may progress from a less serious reaction to a more serious one. Symptoms may include:
Latex allergy is diagnosed with a physical exam and other tests. The doctor will also ask a lot of questions about your past health. Tests may include:
Glove-use tests and skin tests should always be done by doctors who are experienced and equipped to respond to a serious reaction.
It's hard to completely avoid latex, but that's the treatment that works best. Some medicines may help reduce the allergy symptoms. Serious reactions may need to be treated in a hospital emergency department.
If you've had a previous serious reaction to latex, you should carry a shot of epinephrine. Be sure you know how to give yourself the shot.
People who have allergies to certain foods are more likely to have latex allergy. These foods include bananas, chestnuts, kiwifruit, avocados, and tomatoes. People with latex allergies may get allergies to these foods because the protein in the foods is similar to the protein in rubber.
Latex allergies are also more common in people who have a history of atopic dermatitis. This is a skin condition that causes intense itching and a red, raised rash.
Current as of:
February 10, 2021
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineMartin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Current as of: February 10, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.