Other allergensk82

Latex allergy

Latex allergy is an allergy to proteins in natural rubber, which is found in gloves, balloons and condoms. It is most common in people who have often used latex gloves or have had many operations.

Allergen
Latex Hevea brasiliensis
Allergen code
k82
Key allergens
Hev b 1, Hev b 5, Hev b 6
Included in
1 test
Contents
  1. What is latex allergy?
  2. Symptoms
  3. Where latex is found
  4. Cross-reactivity
  5. How to get tested
  6. Frequently asked questions

What is latex allergy?

Latex, or natural rubber, is made from the sap of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. In latex allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins in the rubber. The allergy became common in the 1980s and 1990s, when latex gloves were used on a large scale in healthcare. Since then it has decreased thanks to powder-free and latex-free gloves.

Risk groups include healthcare workers, people who have had many operations and people with spina bifida.

Symptoms

  • Itching, redness and hives where the latex has touched the skin
  • A runny nose and itchy eyes
  • Asthma, especially from powdered latex gloves
  • A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), for example during operations or gynaecological examinations

Latex allergy should not be confused with contact eczema caused by chemicals in the rubber. That causes eczema after one or two days and does not show up in an IgE test.

Where latex is found

Latex is found in gloves, balloons, condoms, contraceptive diaphragms, dummies, rubber bands, rubber soles and some medical equipment. Synthetic rubber, such as nitrile and vinyl, does not contain natural rubber protein.

Cross-reactivity

Latex proteins resemble proteins in certain foods. People who are allergic to latex therefore sometimes react to banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut – this is called the latex–fruit syndrome.

How to get tested

Latex (allergen code k82) is included in our Latex allergy test. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to latex. A positive result can sometimes be due to cross-reacting proteins from pollen, so the result needs to be interpreted together with your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Should I mention my latex allergy before an operation?

Yes. Your healthcare team can then use latex-free equipment. The allergy should also be recorded in your medical records.

Are nitrile gloves safe if I am allergic to latex?

Yes. Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber and do not contain the proteins that cause latex allergy.

Often cross-reacts with

This text is general information and does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 112. If you have questions about your health, contact your doctor.

Tests for latex allergy

You take the sample yourself at home. The tests measure IgE antibodies in a capillary blood sample.

Other allergens

Latex is found in gloves, balloons and condoms. Alpha-gal can cause delayed reactions to red meat and is linked to tick bites.

All allergens A–Z

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