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What is latex? Latex is the natural milky fluid derived from the rubber plant and used in the manufacture of products worldwide. In fact, over 40,000 products today are made from latex. While latex provides many benefits, some people are allergic to this substance. With the increased use of latex in healthcare settings, it is now estimated that 2% of healthcare workers have allergies to latex.
Are people with latex allergies allergic to all latex-containing products? Not usually. Latex is usually modified to form a mixture that is used for manufacturing purposes. People can be allergic to the latex, or the mixture or both. People are usually allergic to latex products that are manufactured by "dipping" rather than "molding".
Balloons, gloves and condoms are manufactured in a process whereby a standard form is dipped in a latex mixture to create the product. The product is then washed, peeled from the form, tested and then packaged according to manufacturer specifications.
Washing the product removes most of the latex particles that are on the product but not bonded within the latex mixture to actually form the product. These particles are often called "free latex" and they are usually responsible for latex allergies. Two situations can contribute to latex allergies: rushed production where product is not properly washed and the tendency of latex product users to "snap" gloves, condoms and other items when donning or applying them. Improper product washing by some manufacturers fails to remove free latex and snapping behaviour releases additional latex particles into the air and onto nearby surfaces.
Research suggests that some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop latex allergies --but it is only with repeated contact or exposure to certain latex-containing products that these allergies actually occur. Healthcare workers, condom users and patients who have undergone multiple surgeries are most at risk for developing latex allergies.
How serious is a latex allergy? Serious enough that precautions are necessary. Most people experience the less severe of two types of latex allergy reactions. The common reaction is called "delayed hypersensitivity reaction" and involves a skin rash which can be extremely painful and lead to infection. The second, more severe, reaction is called "immediate reaction" or "anaphylaxis" and often involves a dangerous drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing and can lead to death.
The problem with latex allergies is that a person with a latex allergy may have an instance of either type of reaction.
Manage the risk of latex allergies. The only effective treatment for those with known latex allergies is avoidance. As a practitioner, it is important to have an open dialogue with colleagues and clients about latex allergies and avoidance strategies such as proper product labeling to identify potentially hazardous products and alternative non-latex products.
Pamco offers Durex® Bare Avanti Non-Latex Condoms for males as well as the FC2 Female Condom, made from nitrile, a non-latex polymer, to promote health and safety.
Learn more: Latex Allergies --origin, symptoms, treatment
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