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. The content of latex allergen in different brands of gloves may vary 500-fold. Since there is no established safe level, such products should not be used by persons allergic to latex. Always inform hospital staff and your dentist if your are allergic. Treatment of systemic latex allergy is currently not possible, but diagnosis is recommended so that adequate precautions for avoidance of exposure to latex can be taken if necessary.