This handout was written to answer some of the questions most often asked about latex allergies. Feel free to ask your doctor or nurse to go over any information you do not understand. Symptoms may include watery eyes, rashes, itching, hives, swelling, noisy or problems breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. This can happen when something with latex touches the skin, diaper area, mouth, nose, open cuts, or the blood stream.
Some people have symptoms from blowing up or playing with balloons.
Breathing the powder from latex gloves can cause symptoms also. Children born with spina bifida and urinary problems may develop a latex allergy. People who have had many operations, health care workers and people who work with latex may also develop a latex allergy. It is not known exactly how or when this occurs. It is not possible to remove all the latex that your child may touch.