 Latex
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Some children have an allergy or sensitivity to latex (rubber). Reactions can be seen when products made from latex come in contact with the child's skin, mucous membranes in the mouth, genitals, bladder, or rectum, or the bloodstream (during surgery). Some children may also react when blowing up a rubber balloon or breathing in powder from the inside of latex gloves.
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When a child with a latex allergy comes in contact with products that contain latex, they may experience the following symptoms:
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- watery or itchy eyes
- wheezing
- hives
- flushing of the skin or a skin rash
- itching of the skin
- swelling of the skin
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In some cases, severe reactions ("anaphylactic shock") can occur in which the child may have problems breathing, experience chest tightness, or have swelling of his/her throat or tongue. Severe reactions require emergency treatment.
The symptoms of a latex allergy may resemble other medical condition. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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Some children are more likely to become latex sensitive. These are children who have frequent exposure to latex from medical procedures, including:
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- children with spina bifida.
- children born with urologic anomalies.
- children who have had many surgeries.
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Children who have allergies to certain foods may also have a latex allergy. Both the foods and the latex may have some of the same proteins. Commonly eaten foods which contain some of the same proteins as latex include the following:
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- bananas
- avocados
- chestnuts
- kiwi
- passion fruit
- papaya
- figs
- peaches
- nectarines
- plums
- tomatoes
- celery
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Many items at home, in the community, and in the hospital are made from latex. These include, but are not limited to the following:
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Home and Community
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Hospital
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Balloons (not including mylar)
Koosh balls, rubber balls
Pacifiers, bottle nipples, eye dropper bulbs
Condoms, diaphragms
Dental products (such as mouthguards)
Beach toys, art supplies
Rubber bands, Band-Aids, erasers, hand grips on racquets and bicycles
Wheelchair tires
Sport shoes and rubber clothing (such as raincoats)
Disposable diapers
Chux©
(See our policies: www.childrenshospital.org/patientsandfamilies)
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Surgical and exam gloves
IV tubing injection sites
Catheters
Adhesive tape
Electrode pads
Blood pressure cuffs
Tourniquets
Stethoscopes
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Any item that is light brown and can be stretched may contain latex. There are items that can be used in place of the items that contain latex. They are made from vinyl, plastic, or silicone.
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- your child has ever had any type of reaction to a latex product.
- you think your child has had a reaction to latex.
- your child has an unexplained allergic reaction during an operation.
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Your child's caregivers include dentists, physical/occupational therapists, physicians and nurses, teachers, daycare providers and babysitters, and friends and family members.
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- Avoid ALL latex products at home and in the hospital. Use items that do not have latex in them.
- Ask your child's physician to evaluate him/her for pre-medication before surgery to help prevent a reaction.
- Use a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace.
- Carry a pair of non-latex gloves, information about latex allergies, and/or a note from your child's physician.
- Be sure hospital and school records have a latex allergy alert.
- Teach your child to know and avoid latex products.
- Ask your child's physician about the use of injectable epinephrine for your child in the event of an emergency. Have it available for your child in all of his/her surroundings (at home, in the car, at daycare, etc.)
- Know what to do in case of an emergency. Discuss this with your child's physician and school nurse.
- Avoid areas where your child may inhale latex molecules.
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Note: Avoiding latex products may decrease the chance of your child developing this allergy.
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