Medicines and Products for Latex Allergy

Medicines can treat reactions, but they do not cure latex allergy. Avoidance is the base of care.

Emergency treatment

• Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector: the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. People at risk of severe reactions may be prescribed one and should be trained to use it. Call 112 after using it, even if symptoms improve.
• Hospital care may include oxygen, fluids, more adrenaline and other medicines

For mild reactions

• Antihistamine tablets can ease itching, hives and a runny nose. They do not stop anaphylaxis and should not be used in its place.
• Cool compresses and plain moisturisers for the skin
• Topical steroid creams for a delayed contact rash, only as prescribed. Do not use them without a doctor, and not on the face or on broken skin.
• Antihistamine eye drops or nasal sprays for mild eye or nose symptoms, as advised

Allergy testing and long-term care

An allergist may arrange skin prick or blood tests. Immunotherapy for latex is not widely available and is not standard care.

Latex-free products

• Nitrile, vinyl or polyurethane gloves
• Latex-free condoms, bandages and medical equipment
• Latex-free alternatives for hospital and dental procedures

Cautions

• Do not take sedating antihistamines before driving
• Pregnant women and children need a doctor's advice on medicines and doses
• Keep your adrenaline injector in date and with you
• Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist about your latex allergy

Key point

Adrenaline treats severe reactions, antihistamines ease mild ones, and avoidance prevents them.

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.