Symptoms of Latex Allergy

Symptoms depend on the type of reaction and how much latex contact occurs.

Mild reactions

• Itching, redness or hives where latex touched the skin
• Dry, scaly, cracked or blistered hands from repeated glove use
• Runny nose, sneezing or itchy eyes from airborne latex particles

Moderate reactions

• Widespread hives and swelling
• Cough, wheeze or tight chest
• Itching of the mouth or throat after contact with balloons or dental gloves

Severe reaction (anaphylaxis)

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Dizziness, fainting or a sudden drop in blood pressure
• Vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhoea
• Rapid heartbeat and a sense of doom

Timing

• True latex allergy usually causes symptoms within minutes of contact
• A delayed skin rash may appear 6 to 48 hours later

Food-related symptoms

Itchy mouth, hives or swelling after banana, avocado, kiwi or chestnut in some people.

See a doctor if

You notice itching, rash or breathing symptoms after using gloves, condoms, balloons or other rubber items.

Emergency signs: call 112

Swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, fainting or a rapid weak pulse after latex contact. If you have an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector, use it as instructed and call 112 even if you feel better.

Key point

Hives or a rash after contact may be mild, but breathing trouble or swelling is an emergency.

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.