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People may react to specific chemicals around us. For most people this is a condition that develops only after coming into contact with the particular substance repeatedly. Unfortunately the reaction may get progressively more severe.
We believe that your child is (or is at risk of becoming) allergic to latex.
The symptoms generally appear within 30 minutes. These could be:
And rarely anaphylaxis, which is breathing difficulty or collapse.
This allergy can cause serious illness. In the rare event of developing symptoms, these should not be ignored.
To help with avoiding developing an allergy to latex, avoid all unnecessary contact with latex. This may make your child more likely to become sensitive to latex.
Seek medical advice if latex exposure causes:
Latex is more dangerous when it contacts a mucosal surface (such as mouth, nose or genitalia) than skin. This may occur either by:
In general, stretchy rubber products such as gloves or rubber bands are much more likely to be a problem than hard ones such as tyres, which contain little protein.
However, because latex can be in many unlikely places such as self-sealing envelopes and waterproof mascara. It is important to get a list of products containing latex.
Some people with latex allergy also react to certain fruit and vegetables, such as:
This is because these foods and latex contain similar proteins. Avoid any food substances that seem to cause trouble.
Prevent contact with rubber items such as:
Consider carrying with you latex-free gloves such as nitrile or vinyl.
You could have your child wear an alert bracelet or necklace stating that they are allergic to natural rubber.
If your doctor recommends it, you may carry a rescue treatment in case of a severe allergic reaction.
Find a list of products which contain latex which are readily available from support groups and websites.
Please inform the following of your child’s allergy. Make sure they understand its significance and that they know how to manage your child’s allergy safely.
Especially if your child is undergoing an:
Insist that your child is not examined by anyone who wears latex gloves.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign
Telephone: 0125 2542 029
PO Box 275
Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6SX
The MedicAlert Foundation
Telephone: 0190 895 1045
327-329 Witan Court
Upper Fourth Street
Milton Keynes
MK9 1EH
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: ANA3
Resource Type: Article
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Sheffield
S10 2TH
United Kingdom
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