Latex Allergies in Children

By Scott Fitzgerald

Latex allergy in children seems to be on the rise, although that perception may be based more on awareness than on increased incidence of latex allergy. If you know your child has, or suspect your child has a latex allergy, it is important to educate yourself to know what this allergy is and how to manage latex allergy in children.

What Is A Latex Allergy?

Latex allergy in children is an allergic reaction that results from an allergy to a protein found in the liquid in the tropical rubber tree. This liquid is harvested and used to produce rubber products. It is the protein that causes latex allergy in children, but true latex rubber products cannot be produced without the allergenic protein.

What Products Is Latex Found In?

Many every-day products are made with latex rubber. Some products that contain latex rubber are

* Balloons
* Rubber toys such as stretch toys and koosh balls—may include dog toys
* Rubber nipples and pacifiers
* Rubber/elastic bands (including elastic waist bands on clothing and underwear
* Tape and adhesive bandages, band aids
* Adhesives on diapers and sanitary pads
* Condoms and diaphragms
* Some paints (latex-based and others)
* Zippered sandwich bags
* Rubber shoes, boots, and clothing, including rain coats

Latex rubber is used extensively in medical and dental products, including

* Latex gloves
* Elastic bandages (such as Ace bandages)
* Urinary catheters
* Dental dams
* Tourniquets
* Breathing masks/resuscitation equipment
* Wheelchair cushions and tires
* Grips and cushions on crutches
* Stethoscopes
* IV tubing
* Blood pressure cuffs

These lists are by no means exhaustive, but do include many of the most common latex-containing products that children with latex allergy may come into contact with. As a rule of thumb when in doubt, suspect any product that is light brown and/or stretchy of containing latex.

What Increases The Likelihood Of A Latex Allergy In Children?

Latex allergy in children can occur in any child, but a few things may increase the likelihood of a latex allergy. The risk for latex allergy in children increases with exposure to latex-containing products.

* Children with certain food allergies may also be allergic to latex because latex and some foods share similar proteins. Children who are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, avocados, kiwi, tomato, figs, papaya, peaches, plums, and celery may also be allergic to the protein in latex.
* Children who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk of developing latex allergy due to increased exposure. Children who have had multiple surgeries and/or frequent medical treatment, children with Spina Bifida, children with genitourinary diseases, and children with internal latex medical devices (such as tubes and catheters) are at increased risk for latex allergy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Latex Allergy In Children?

Latex allergy in children often presents with symptoms that are quite similar to other allergies and reactions. For this reason, it is important to discuss reactions with your child's doctor to determine the cause of the reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy in children include:

* Watery or itchy eyes
* Runny nose or sneezing
* Skin rash at point of contact—may be red, swollen, or bumped
* Hives
* Wheezing/difficulty breathing
* Tightness in chest
* Itchy skin
* Anaphylactic shock

How Severe Is Latex Allergy In Children?

As with all allergies, latex allergy in children can vary from mild to severe. Mild latex allergies in children may present sinus or skin discomfort or itchiness. Severe latex allergies in children can compromise breathing and cause swelling of the throat and mouth—children with severe latex allergies need emergency treatment.

It should be noted that latex allergy in children may start off as a mild reaction but may increase in severity with further exposure and subsequent incidences; it is important to discuss the risk to your child with a doctor even if a latex allergy in a child seems minor.

How Can Latex Allergy Be Avoided?

Management of latex allergy in children requires avoidance of latex-based/containing products.

* Children should not play with toys that contain (or are suspected of containing) latex
* Products should be replaced with latex-free products (medical equipment and supplies in particular—make sure medical professionals use latex-free gloves
* Since latex proteins can be disbursed by powder in latex medical gloves, children with latex allergies should avoid areas where powdered gloves are used and changed frequently
* Pack latex-free gloves with your child for emergency use
* Outfit your child with a medic-alert bracelet or necklace
* Make sure all care-providers, school staff, coaches, and teachers know about your child's latex allergy

There are alternative products for anything that contains latex. Silicone, plastic, and vinyl are all safe alternatives for children with latex allergies. It is imperative that not only parents know about safe management of latex allergies in children, but all school and medical personnel as well. A concerted effort to avoid latex for children with latex allergies will ensure that an allergy does not progress to or cause a severe reaction that could become threatening for your child.