TYPES OF REACTIONS TO LATEX

There are couple of reactions people have to latex of those who are sensitive. Irritant contact dermatitis and latex allergies are the primary concerns.

Irritant contact dermatitis will cause the skin to tear, become red, and itch making it quite painful. Irritant contact dermatitis is a sign that the skin is not healthy and should be treated with medicated lotion. Latex gloves are known to be a common culprit to causing irritant contact dermatitis. Often times, once the victim stops using latex gloves, the contact dermatitis condition subsides.

Latex allergies cause asthmatic conditions that make it quite difficult for patients to breath. Often times, heavy breathing occurs in addition to wheezing. Latex allergies are quite serious as it affects the respiratory system. Extreme reactions to people with latex allergies can cause shock an in some cases death.

<PREVIOUS (Background) | Table of Contents | NEXT (Levels and Routes of Exposure)>