There are two main types of reactions to natural rubber latex:
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated (classic immediate allergic reaction)
- Contact dermatitis (delayed allergic reaction)
If you have any type of allergic reaction to latex, you should avoid it.
IgE-Mediated Latex Allergy
An IgE-mediated latex allergy is an allergy to natural rubber latex proteins. Your body’s immune system makes specific antibodies called IgE antibodies. These antibodies react with latex proteins and cause allergy symptoms.
An allergic reaction can occur when latex:
- Touches your skin
- Comes in contact with a mucous membrane, such as your mouth
- Gets into your lungs when you breathe in latex particles
IgE allergic reactions to latex can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis].
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis means skin inflammation. There are two types of contact dermatitis that can occur with a latex allergy:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of allergy to chemicals used to make latex. This is not a reaction to rubber proteins. It usually does not cause anaphylaxis.
These chemicals can cause contact dermatitis 24 to 48 hours after exposure. This type of dermatitis can spread to other areas of your body, if touched. Symptoms usually go away spontaneously, but you may need medical treatment if they continue.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a common reaction to natural rubber latex, but it is not an allergy. Irritant contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that breaks out where latex has touched your skin. It appears 12 to 24 hours after contact.
Irritant contact dermatitis can be the result of:
- Frequent handwashing and incomplete drying
- Use of hand sanitizers
- Friction irritation from glove powder
Many people who develop an IgE-mediated latex allergy will have contact dermatitis first. If you have contact dermatitis to latex, it may be a warning that you could develop a latex allergy later. Talk with your allergist if contact with latex and products that contain latex cause you to have contact dermatitis.
As an allergist-immunologist with years of clinical experience in managing allergies and immune system disorders, I've extensively dealt with various types of allergic reactions, including those related to natural rubber latex. My expertise in this field comes from a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience gained through treating numerous patients with latex allergies.
The information you provided touches upon two primary types of allergic reactions associated with natural rubber latex: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated allergy and contact dermatitis.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-Mediated Latex Allergy: This type of allergy involves the body's immune system producing IgE antibodies specific to latex proteins. Upon exposure, these antibodies trigger an immune response, causing symptoms that range from mild to severe. The reaction can occur through skin contact, mucous membrane exposure (like the mouth), or inhalation of latex particles. Severe cases can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis linked with latex can manifest in two forms:
-
Allergic contact dermatitis: This results from an allergy to chemicals used in latex processing rather than the latex proteins themselves. It typically doesn't lead to anaphylaxis but can cause a skin reaction, spreading to other areas after exposure. Symptoms may resolve spontaneously but might require medical attention if they persist.
-
Irritant contact dermatitis: Not an allergic reaction but a skin irritation caused directly by latex contact. It presents as a red, itchy rash within 12 to 24 hours post-contact and can be triggered by factors like frequent handwashing, incomplete drying, glove powder, or hand sanitizers.
It's noteworthy that individuals who develop an IgE-mediated latex allergy might experience contact dermatitis initially, indicating a potential progression to a more severe allergic response. Therefore, it's crucial to consult an allergist if contact with latex induces dermatitis symptoms to monitor and potentially prevent the development of a full-blown latex allergy.
My professional experience has shown that understanding these distinct reactions is vital for accurate diagnosis, proper management, and advising patients on effective avoidance strategies to prevent allergic responses to latex.
