Caused by the chemicals added during production. Symptoms are a rash, itching and swelling. If you experience any of the above symptoms after contact with latex, ask your doctor to test you for latex or other allergies. The skin prick test can, if necessary, be confirmed by a simple IgE blood test . People with a pre-existing allergy are at higher risk of developing allergy to latex.
Avoidance can be difficult, since latex is used in many everyday items.
Latex is a natural product and the fruits of other plants than the rubber tree have very similar proteins. For this reason, people who are allergic to latex may also experience an allergic reaction when eating bananas, avocado, pears or tomatoes. This is also called a cross-reaction. Latex gloves are less expensive than synthetic rubber gloves and therefore widely used. Their co-workers must not use powdered latex gloves to prevent latex becoming airborne.