Get P1pc-015 Latex Fctsht

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product made from the rubber tree. If you have a latex allergy, your body mistakes latex for a harmful substance.

On this page, latex refers specifically to natural rubber latex products. Latex allergy (type I [immediate] hypersensitivity mediated by immunoglobulin E) is rare—affecting approximately 1 percent of the general population and 8-12 percent of healthcare workers.

Less than 1 percent of the general population is reported to have a reaction to latex. Despite this, more than 1,700 cases of latex allergy have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1988.

Doctors typically use a blood test to test for latex allergy. Up to 8.2% of people in the United States may get a positive blood test for the presence of latex IgE antibodies.

Latex allergy is uncommon in the general population, at least compared to high-risk groups such as hospital workers and spina bifida patients. Estimates suggest a worldwide prevalence of around 4.3% among the general population.

Health care workers exposed to latex gloves or medical products containing latex are especially at risk. It is estimated that 8-12% of health care workers are latex sensitive.

These antibodies cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. IgE-mediated latex allergies can be life-threatening. Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (type IV): This allergy causes skin irritation and inflammation (contact dermatitis). Blisters may form on the skin, and they may ooze liquid.

Aquagenic Urticaria (Water Allergy) Aquagenic urticaria, or water allergy, is an extremely rare condition. It causes individuals to develop itchy and painful hives when their skin comes into contact with water.