Author: Byron Webb Romero, RN, MSN

Latex allergy can be determined by one of the three groups of signs and symptoms:

1. Irritant dermatitis – People who get this form of latex allergy involves the skin as the contact surface. Itchiness and eventual breakdown on the skin can predispose individuals especially health care workers to entrance of bacteria that can be found in the hospital causing nosocomial infections.
2. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction – The reaction surfaced after 24 hour to 48 hours of exposure. Initially, itchiness can also be seen as well as redness. An individual is expected to be allegic with latex in the future as this delayed reaction can be seen.
3. Immunoglobulin E mediated reaction – This can be serious since the latex proteins comes in contact with the bloodstream, the tendency of the body is to release IgE which are specific for allergic reaction. This is common when latex are used inside the body such as during surgical intervention.

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