Latex allergy -- incidence & reactions

October 17, 2002

How long does a latax allergy last after coming in contact? I was working at a latax glove factory for three days and broke out, but i still have hives and I haven't been back to the factory in nine weeks. -- D.N., Canada

When I started working in allergy in 1991, latex allergy was just beginning to be recognized as a rare malady among healthcare workers. One source indicated that by 1997 only 1000 serious reactions to latex had been reported.

Today it's estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 healthcare workers have some degree of sensitivity to latex. Many believe this is due to the increased use of latex gloves.

In the mid 90's, Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases were recognized as a severe threat for healthcare workers. We began emphasizing universal precautions against blood and body fluids. Wearing latex gloves was at the top of the list.

Others at risk for latex allergy include hairdressers, and people like yourself who work in rubber or latex manufacturing areas.

You mentioned that you broke out after working at the glove factory only three days, and that you've not been back in nine weeks. Usually allergy to latex develops over time after repeated exposure. When hives develop in areas that come into contact with the latex, they usually fade away quickly once the latex is removed.

Three types of reactions to latex have been identified:

  1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Can occur when hands sweat under the gloves, or when lotions or lubricants are worn under gloves. Hands may be dry and cracked and may have a rash after wearing the gloves. This is not an allergic reaction.
  2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This is a reaction to chemicals used in processing the latex. It can cause a blistering reaction under the gloves that resembles a reaction to poison ivy.
  3. Allergy to Latex: Usually occurs immediately upon exposure. May start with hives under the gloves, which quickly fade when the gloves are removed. Other symptoms may include swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath, or shock.

The recommended treatment for latex allergy is avoidance. Many products we use every day contain latex. The mouse pad you used to click to AllergyNursing.com likely contains latex.

If you are continuing to be exposed to latex on a regular basis, the continuing hives could be due to this. But if they persist for nine weeks after the latex exposure is removed, you may want to ask your physician if it is possible that something else could be responsible for the hives.

Your physician knows your health history, and has seen the reactions you are experiencing. He or she is best qualified to determine if this is due to latex or if it could be due to something else, like the hand lotion you are using.

References:

  1. Latex allergy -- more than skin deep, RN.com Continuing Education.
  2. Latex allergies, Online CE Continuing Education.
  3. Latex allergies, MEDLINEplus, United States Government.
  4. Latex allergy: What you need to know, P.Carroll, RN Magazine, Sept., 1999.