How Is Latex Allergy Diagnosed?
A latex allergy is diagnosed in patients who: • Have experienced signs or symptoms of allergic reaction (skin rash, hives, eye tearing or irritation, wheezing, itching, difficulty breathing) when exposed to latex or natural rubber products. • Do not have signs or symptoms of latex allergy but are known to be at risk for latex allergy and have a positive skin test to latex. Since the latex allergen used in the test is not readily available in the United States, a blood test is sometimes performed to detect allergy-producing antibodies. Skin testing for latex allergy should only be done with the close supervision of an allergy specialist because of the risk of severe reactions. How Is Latex Allergy Treated? Reactions may be treated by removal of the latex product and drug treatment according to the type of symptoms developing. If the symptoms are irritant contact dermatitis, antihistamine and/or corticosteroid medicines may be enough to treat symptoms. Severe reactions should be treated
