It is peculiar to think that there are forms and types of allergies that are oftentimes never heard of. You may get used to hearing common allergic reactions to fish and chicken, but rubber? Very rare! This leads to latex allergy also known as the hypersensitivity to rubbers and other rubber-made materials. Once a person comes in contact with latex that are commonly found in balloons, condoms, gloves, bandages and other rubber-made materials, skin allergy emerges. Although studies show that the causes of latex allergy is still yet to be unearthed, still the symptoms will emerge the moment you expose yourself to objects made of rubber.
It is essential that the moment you found out about ones hypersensitivity to latex allergy, being wary and knowledgeable of the symptoms as well as its stages is of prime importance. This allergic reaction has three stages including mild contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity. Each of these stages varies from mild to severe.
Mild Contact Dermatitis - People suffering from latex allergy in this stage are those who endure very mild allergic skin reactions. A person will suffer itchiness and dryness of the skin considered typical symptoms of those who are sensitive to rubber made objects.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis - This is considered as the next stage of latex allergy. If you feel a burning sensation on infected areas together with some itching and inflammation of the skin that is somewhat more persistent and continual than the first, then you most likely are suffering the second phase of latex allergy.
Latex Hypersensitivity - Known to be the most serious and grave stage of latex allergy, although cases like these are considered rare. However, if a simple itch and burning sensation is left unaided, chances of coming to this stage is possible. If this type of allergy is still left untreated for a period of time with all the symptoms and warning signs, this could lead to death.
Sensitivity to rubber and natural latex made substances are not the only ones to be looked at in this kind of skin reaction. There are certain food groups such as tomatoes, bananas, chestnuts and other fruits like kiwi and avocado that have high levels of rubber proteins. Thus, it is essential that you take note of the foods you eat if you have allergies to latex.
Latex allergy can also be treated by using non-latex rubbers and gloves and by avoiding foods specifically fruits. Most fruits have high content of rubber proteins that's why it would help a great deal to go for a no fruit diet. You also need to stay away from latex objects and make certain that you are in latex free environs. Since there are still no known remedies for this type of allergy attack, the best possible way to prevent getting into a severe and serious stage is to keep off from objects and foods that have latex in them.
Keep in mind, allergies are no joke, thus, a simple itch and redness should be identified and treated in the main, before it gets you.
Thank you for your cogent thoughts on latex allergies; this is an important and often overlooked issue, and I found your words provocative and insightful.
ReplyDeleteThe organization I work for, the Pacific Northwest Foundation, is devoted to researching alternative modes of healing for a variety of illnesses, including latex allergy. I wanted to share with you a video presentation of a case study we conducted some years ago about a woman with severe latex allergy who, through a variety of methods, was able to diminish her reactivity. The link to the presentation is http://pnf.org/html/anna_s_case.html.
I'd like to thank you so much for your contribution to the subject of latex allergy, and hope you will find the case study above helpful in your continued exploration into the subject.