Latex Allergy

Resource Guide | Complete Guide | Dentistry

70 Page Booklet. - References updated 2014

Table of Contents

Section One: Understanding Latex Allergy

• Brief History of the Problem
• Prevalence and Incidence of Latex Allergy
• Who is Most at Risk?
• Persons at Risk for Developing a Type I Latex Allergy
• The Most Vulnerable Populations
• What is Latex?
• Insurance and Legal Considerations

Section Two: Understanding Allergies and the Immune System

• Immune System Basics
• Natural Immunity
• Adaptive Immunity
• Type I Latex Allergy and the Allergic Response

Section Three: Symptoms of Latex Allergy

• Distinguishing Between Contact Dermatitis and Latex Allergy
• Symptoms of Latex Allergy and Contact Dermatitis
• Symptoms of Exposure
• Managing the Symptoms of Exposure
• Treatment of Anaphylaxis

Section Four: Routes of Latex Exposure

Section Five: Finding Alternatives to Latex Gloves

Section Six: Cross-Reactivity

• Understanding Cross-Reactions
• Common Cross-Reactive Foods Cross- reactivity & latex exposed food
• Similarities Between Cross-Reactive Substances
• Other Cross-Reactive Substances
• Pan-Allergens and Plant-Defense Related Proteins

Section Seven: Diagnosis and Testing

• Diagnosis of Latex Allergy
• Common Warning Signs
  Allergy Testing
• Types of Allergy Tests
• Absolute Contraindications to Skin Prick Testing
• Relative Contraindications

Section Eight: Living With Latex Allergy

• What to Do If You Become Sensitized or Allergic to Latex
• Obtaining a Diagnosis
• Basic Considerations
• Reporting Latex Reactions
• Alternative Approaches to Treatment
• Latex Allergy Survival Checklist

Section Nine: Supplemental Information

APPENDIX 1: Latex Allergy Survival Strategies

• General Considerations
• Home
• Work
• Travel
• Medical and Dental
• Shopping
• Foods and Restaurants
• Children and Schools

APPENDIX 2: Material and Product Considerations

• Natural vs. Synthetic Latex
• The Challenge of Avoiding Latex Exposure
• Obtaining Material Composition and Product Ingredient Information
• Product Content Information and Allergen Databases
• Advocacy Groups with Product Information
• What to Look for When Identifying Potential Latex Content
• Types of Materials That May Contain Latex
• Alternative Materials

APPENDIX 3: Latex-Free Products

• Cars and Travel
• Child Care and Children’s Toys
• Clothing and Undergarments
• Cosmetics
• Dental Supplies
• Household Items
• Medical Supplies
• Miscellaneous Items
• Office, School and Art Supplies
• Personal Hygiene and Prophylactics
• Sporting Equipment
• Supplements and Remedies

APPENDIX 4: Glove Material Composition Table

APPENDIX 5: Latex Allergy Questionnaire

APPENDIX 6: Health Journal

APPENDIX 7: Helpful Web Links

APPENDIX 8: Helpful Abbreviations

Glossary

References