Medtexx
Medical Glove Specialist
FAQ Library
We welcome any comments or suggestions towards our FAQ section.
What is natural rubber latex?
Latex is a sap produced by rubber tree, and after it is processed with heat and chemicals, it is known as natural rubber. This rubber is widely used in medical equipment and supplies, including surgical gloves.
What is a Latex allergy?
A latex allergy, or hypersensitivity, occurs when a person's body's immune system reacts to the latex proteins and/or the additives used during the manufacturing process. The reactions range from mild: skin rash, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, to an extreme of: facial or throat swelling, and difficulty breathing.
How do I know if I have a latex allergy?
The only way to know for sure if you have a true latex allergy is to have allergy testing done. Some examples of common reactions that may be sign of latex allergy problem, may include:
- Skin rashes or reactions on your hands from wearing rubber gloves.
- Rashes on your face or skin from touching it if you did not wash your hands after wearing rubber gloves.
- Tingling, swelling or rashes on your lips or face after blowing up a balloon, or having rubber products near your face.
- Skin rashes, itching, or swelling from wearing clothes with elastics next to your skin, such as a bra or underwear.
What should I do if I have a latex allergy?
Contact an allergist or healthcare professionals immediately to determine the cause of the allergy. You should tell the healthcare professionals before you receive care, so that products that don't contain latex can be used for your care.
Why don't they just use non-latex products on everyone?
This would be difficult because there is not always a latex free substitution for a product. In some instances, it would also be very expensive. Most people have no problems, and use latex products all their life. However, for some people who have developed this allergy, latex-free products are the only solution. There is also the risk of not knowing if you have an allergy to latex...The only way to truly prevent latex allergies from occurring is avoiding products that contain latex.
How can we prevent latex allergy?
Latex allergy can be prevented by protecting workers from latex exposure. Employers should:
- provide workers with non-latex gloves (e.g.: synthetic, nitrile, vinyl gloves)
- ensure that workers use good housekeeping practices to remove latex-containing dust from the workplace
- provide workers with education programs about latex allergy
"Hypoallergenic" gloves are usually made from latex so latex-sensitive workers should check to see if they are made from latex or some other material.
Persons allergic to latex rubber products should consult an allergist to find out if they are actually allergic to latex (natural) rubber or to chemicals that are in synthetic rubbers. They should also advise their physicians and dentists so that they can decide if alternate products should be used in any treatment that normally requires the use of rubber products.
Still have questions? Please submit your questions to info@medtexx.net