Latex (medical) allergy
Allergy to natural rubber latex in gloves and medical devices.
About latex (medical) allergy
Natural rubber latex is found in some gloves, catheters, tourniquets and syringe plungers, as well as everyday items such as balloons and elastic bands. Latex allergy is a genuine immune reaction: the immediate type is IgE-mediated and directed against proteins in the rubber, while a separate delayed contact dermatitis is a T-cell reaction, often to manufacturing chemicals rather than the latex protein. Healthcare workers and people who have had many operations, such as those with spina bifida, are among those more likely to become sensitised through repeated exposure.
Reactions range from itching, redness and eczema-like skin changes where latex touched the body, through hives and swelling, to, in some cases, anaphylaxis with breathing difficulty and collapse, in keeping with the rapid onset described. There is also a recognised latex-food link: some people react to fruits such as banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut because the proteins are similar, sometimes called latex-fruit syndrome.
Management rests on avoiding latex and ensuring latex-free equipment is used during any medical, dental or surgical care. Record the allergy clearly, tell every healthcare professional and pharmacist in advance, and consider a medical alert card or bracelet. Specialist clinics can confirm the diagnosis and advise on cross-reacting foods. A severe reaction is a medical emergency call 999. Follow professional advice on avoidance rather than relying on assumptions.
Common triggers
- Latex (medical) and products containing it
Symptoms
- Skin rash, hives or itching
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or a drop in blood pressure
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis
Avoidance & management
- Tell every doctor, pharmacist and dentist about the allergy
- Wear a medical-alert bracelet if advised
- Check the ingredients of combination medicines
- Discuss safe alternatives with your prescriber
- Seek emergency care for a severe reaction
Sources & references
Allergy safety: what everyone should know
Mild-to-moderate reaction signs
- Itching, hives or a raised rash
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Tingling mouth, sneezing, runny nose
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
Anaphylaxis — call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately
- Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, collapse, pale and floppy (young children)
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) at once if prescribed, then call an ambulance even if symptoms improve
Allergy or intolerance? A true allergy involves the immune system and can escalate quickly; an intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is unpleasant but not life-threatening. The symptoms overlap, so self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Getting tested: home-testing kits based on IgG are not diagnostically valid. If you suspect an allergy, ask a GP for referral to an allergy clinic for skin-prick or specific-IgE testing and a supervised food challenge where appropriate.