Rough and scaly and sometimes weeping rashes can develop within a few days of contact. As with irritant dermatitis, absorption of latex through damaged skin increases the risk of later developing allergy with continued exposure. Reactions can occur within minutes and include hives or swollen lips or face at the site of contact. Others will develop irritation after wearing a condom, having a Pap smear taken or after dental treatment. Hay fever-like symptoms may occur, typically in hospital settings where frequent changing of gloves can result in suspension of fine latex particles in the air.
More serious reactions can occur.
Most people who are allergic to latex have had frequent exposure to latex in the past. The vast majority are nurses, doctors, dentists, or patients who have had a number of operations, such as those with spina bifida. Many are also allergic to other substances such as grass pollens or dust mite proteins. In other words, they usually already have other allergic disease such as asthma, Hay fever or eczema. Food allergy and latex Proteins in latex are present in some foods as well.