Latex in general is being used more in society every day.  Latex allergies in kids seem to be on the rise too, 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 it.

Latex allergy in children is an allergic reaction that results from sensitivity 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 itself that causes latex allergy in children, but latex rubber products cannot be produced without the allergenic protein.

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 (include dog toys)
• Rubber nipples and pacifiers
• Elastic bands (like those 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 not exhaustive and do not 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 or stretchy of containing latex.

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, or celery may also be allergic to the protein in latex.
• Children who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk of developing latex allergies due to increased exposure.  Kids who have had multiple surgeries or frequent medical treatment and children with internal latex medical devices (such as tubes and catheters) are at increased risk for latex allergy.

Symptoms of Latex Allergy in Children?

Symptoms of latex allergy in children are often very 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 include:

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

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 (requiring 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 with a doctor even if the allergy in a child seems minor.

Management of Latex Allergies

Management of latex allergies in children requires avoidance of latex-based products, although that may be difficult.

• 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

Hopefully you can find alternate products for any item that you normally used which contained latex.  Try to use products containing silicone, plastic or vinyl, which are safe alternatives.  It is very important that parents of children with allergies know how to mange them and that school and medical personnel know about them as well.  Making an effort to avoid latex for your allergic child will prevent a severe reaction that could be life threatening.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 at 4:35 am and is filed under Childrens Allergies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.