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Contact & Drug Reactions
Latex Allergy
Reactions to natural rubber latex found in gloves, balloons, condoms, and some medical devices — ranging from itchy skin to anaphylaxis. Important for healthcare workers and patients alike.
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Payel Gupta
Triple Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist
Last reviewed: May 2026
Overview
Latex allergy is an immune response to proteins in natural rubber latex. It can cause skin reactions or, in some cases, serious systemic or anaphylactic reactions.
symptoms
- Skin rash, itching, or hives at contact site
- Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis in severe cases
triggers
- Gloves
- Balloons
- Medical devices
- Some foods (cross-reactivity with fruits)
testing
- Skin testing or specific IgE for latex
- History of reaction to latex-containing products
treatment
avoidance
- Use non-latex gloves and products
- Inform healthcare providers
- Carry epinephrine if at risk of anaphylaxis
medications
- Antihistamines for mild reactions
- Epinephrine for anaphylaxis
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