Latex Allergy News & Updates

How to Stay Safe on Halloween with Asthma and Allergies

Learn how you can minimize risk and maximize safety at Halloween when you have a child with a food allergy, asthma or latex allergy.
$A green wristband with "Latex Allergy" written on it is placed on top of a medical form. The form has checkboxes and text related to medical conditions and inquiries.$

Latex Allergy Awareness Week is Oct. 6-12

The only way for people with latex allergy to prevent symptoms is strict avoidance of latex. Learn more during Latex Allergy Awareness Week.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep Epinephrine in a Hot Car

Learn more about a new study that shows exposure to heat in a car on a sunny day can decrease the concentration of epinephrine…
5 Ways a Pharmacist Can Help People with Allergies and Asthma

Learn how a pharmacist can be an important part of your healthcare team, from improving access to drugs and finding ways to lower costs.
Can Poinsettia Plants Cause a Latex Allergy Reaction?

Learn about the symptoms and treatment for reactions to poinsettia and how to avoid an allergic reaction to poinsettia during the holiday season.
$A person wearing a blue medical gown is putting on a pair of white latex gloves, with one hand pulling the glove onto the other. The background is a plain light color.$

FDA’s Revised Glove Guidelines Impact People with Latex Allergy

New FDA guidelines for healthcare professionals during COVID-19 loosen latex allergy standards, especially for glove use.
$A green wristband with "Latex Allergy" written on it is placed on top of a medical form. The form has checkboxes and text related to medical conditions and inquiries.$

Ask the Allergist: Latex Allergy and Cross-Reactivity

Dr. Sandra Gawchuk answers the Ask the Allergist question: What do patients with latex allergy need to know about cross-reactivity with fruits & vegetables?
How to Navigate Restaurants With Latex Allergy

Individuals with latex allergy face multiple challenges when dining at restaurants. Learn to reduce risk of exposure to latex.

All About

Latex Allergy News & Updates

Latex allergy is a reaction to proteins from the Havea brasiliensis rubber tree sap, the milky fluid used to manufacture more than 40,000 products including household and medical devices. People with latex allergy often develop symptoms due to repeated use of latex gloves, helium balloons, condoms, or medical devices like catheters, wound drains or rubber tubing. People with latex allergies may also experience a reaction to certain foods, such as avocados, bananas, chestnuts and kiwi fruit, because these foods have similar protein structure to the rubber tree. Latex allergy can cause hives, cramps, intense itching, sneezing and watery eyes. In rare cases, it causes chest pain, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, lowered blood pressure, or anaphylaxis. In these cases, emergency medical attention with an epinephrine auto-injector may be necessary. There is no cure for latex allergies. The only way for people with latex allergy to prevent symptoms is to avoid latex. Limit exposure to latex products. Check labels or contact the manufacturer of a product to ensure it’s latex-safe. Wear a medical ID bracelet in case an accidental exposure results in emergency care. For more information on Latex Allergy, see our full article.