Causes of Latex Allergy

Latex allergy develops when the immune system becomes sensitised to proteins in natural rubber latex.

How sensitisation happens

• Repeated skin or mucous membrane contact, such as with gloves, catheters or condoms
• Breathing in latex proteins carried on glove powder in the air
• Contact during surgery, where latex reaches internal tissues, which carries a higher risk

After sensitisation, later contact can trigger a reaction, sometimes within minutes.

Risk factors

• Healthcare and dental work: frequent glove use
• Spina bifida and bladder or urinary tract problems: many procedures from an early age
• Multiple surgeries or repeated catheter use
• Personal history of allergy, asthma or eczema
• Rubber industry work or work with latex products
• Hand eczema, because damaged skin lets proteins in more easily

Cross-reactions with foods

Some people with latex allergy also react to foods with similar proteins, such as banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut, and sometimes papaya, mango, tomato and potato. This is called latex-fruit syndrome.

Other kinds of reaction

• Irritant contact dermatitis: dry, cracked skin from gloves, soap and sweat. It is not a true allergy.
• Delayed contact allergy (type IV): a rash that appears 6 to 48 hours after contact, caused by chemicals used in making rubber and not by latex proteins

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda would see allergic reactions as an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha in a sensitive person. This is a traditional framework.

Key point

Repeated exposure, especially in healthcare or after many surgeries, is the main driver of latex allergy.

Before your appointment

Note which items or procedures caused symptoms, how soon symptoms began, and how long they lasted. List any reactions to bananas, avocado, kiwi, chestnut or other foods. Mention your job, past surgeries, catheters, asthma, eczema and other allergies. List medicines, supplements and herbal products, and bring any allergy card or adrenaline injector. Ask about allergy testing, latex-free products and an emergency action plan. Tell your doctor and dentist about the allergy before any procedure. Call 112 for swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.