Latex is the common name for the fluid produced by many plants but it is the latex that comes from the rubber tree Hevea Braziliensis that is potentially dangerous to people who are allergic to it.

Groups who are particularly at risk include health care workers and people who have repeated surgery, because of their increased exposure to latex. The condition is most common in atopic people (people with a tendency to develop allergies). It must be remembered that people use latex gloves at home to do the washing up.

There are two types of allergic reaction to latex. These are known as type-1 and type-4 reactions

Type-4 is a non-life threatening dermatitis on sites of contact, produced by an allergy to the chemicals used when processing the rubber. Symptoms include reddening, itching and swelling of the skin, which develop one or two days after contact.

Type-1 allergy is potentially life-threatening. Those affected are sensitive to the natural proteins in latex. These people may suffer from nasal irritations, urticaria (hives), asthma and anaphylaxis.

Latex allergy is unusual in that there are more than 12 allergens present in latex. Allergy commonly involves sensitisation to different latex proteins and patients are usually sensitive to more than one.

Latex allergy is potentially a serious problem but it can be managed and controlled. If you are sensitive to latex, it is possible you will react to any latex product and you should try to avoid any articles made from rubber. There are numerous everyday items to be avoided, including gloves, balloons, rubber toys, pencil erasers, latex mattresses and pillows, hot water bottles and some contraceptives (condoms and the diaphragm).

Care should be taken with tyres and rubber sole shoes, and also with adhesives and self-adhesive envelopes, some of which contain latex.

Some people with relatively mild latex allergy may be able to use some latex products. They may also be able to use some brands and not others as different companies will use varying manufacturing processes that alter the allergenicity of the latex protein. But even if you are slightly sensitive, it is sensible to avoid contact as much as possible as with each contact the degree of your allergy and the reaction can increase. People with severe allergy should not use any latex products.

The latex-fruit syndrome associated with latex allergy is an important issue. Some of the proteins present in latex also exist in some fruits and some plants. If a person is allergic to the protein in latex that is also present in bananas, for example, they may have a cross-reaction if they eat a banana. In some cases this works the other way around – if you are allergic to bananas, you may be allergic to the same proteins in latex. The fresh fruits that commonly cause problems are banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut and occasionally other foods including walnut. These three can cause anaphylaxis in a latex allergic person.

Whether you have a type 1 or a type 4 reaction to latex, when you go to a dentist or a doctor, especially if you are to have an operation, it is essential that you give information about your latex allergy. It’s not just latex gloves that need to be avoided; latex is also used in catheters, syringes, anaesthetic mouthpieces, elasticated bandages and protective sheets. There are alternatives that can be used and there are also alternatives to everyday latex items. For example, non-latex condoms are available.

There is evidence to suggest that food handlers who wear latex gloves may contaminate the food with latex allergens and are themselves at risk of developing latex allergy. It has been demonstrated that when cross-contaminated food is eaten by a person with latex allergy, it can cause an allergic reaction.

There is also a possible risk from latex adhesives used in food packaging. These are used as cold seal adhesives in cases where hot seals would damage a product, such as ice cream. There are reports of people reacting to these adhesives.

Other tips include:

• Be bold and confident in warning medical attendants, friends, and others of your allergy and its effects.
  
• If you suspect you have an allergy to latex, go to your GP and ask for a referral to an allergy clinic. There you can be tested and receive further advice.
  
• If you are prescribed injectable adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) carry it at all times and wear a MedicAlert emblem.