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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
People who are allergic to latex often have a reaction after being in contact with the latex in rubber gloves. Three types of reactions can occur with latex gloves:
- Irritant contact dermatitis. This common reaction to protective gloves isn't an actual allergy. It's most likely due to sweating or rubbing under the gloves or from detergents left on your hands before wearing them. This rash occurs most often in people who wear protective gloves, such as dental and health care workers. Irritant contact dermatitis usually makes your skin appear red, dry and cracked.
- Allergic contact dermatitis. This is a reaction to the latex or chemical additives used during the manufacturing process. The chemicals added to latex can cause a skin rash 24 to 48 hours after contact. The rash usually starts on the parts of your skin that have come in contact with latex, and then may spread to other areas. You may also have oozing blisters.
- Hypersensitivity immune system response. This response is an actual latex allergy. It occurs when your immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex. In a latex allergy, exposure to latex may cause immediate reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, sneezing and wheezing.
Exposure to airborne latex particles, often sent into the air when removing latex gloves, can cause signs and symptoms similar to those of hay fever or asthma:
- Stuffy nose
- Cough
- Hives or rash
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Difficulty breathing
Anaphylactic shock symptoms
The most serious allergic reaction to latex is an anaphylactic (an-uh-fuh-LAK-tik) response, which can be deadly. Anaphylactic reactions develop immediately after latex exposure in highly sensitive people and cause the airways (bronchi) to constrict, making it difficult to breathe. Blood pressure may drop to life-threatening levels, making you feel dizzy or causing you to lose consciousness. Other serious signs and symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Blueness of your skin, including your lips and nail beds
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
Seek emergency medical care if you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction.
