Will latex allergy get worse?

[KeyD]

The doctor's office called to tell me that my blood work for latex allergy came back positive. Currently my only reaction is contact dermititis--and it doesn't happen every time--over time will this reaction likely get worse? I work in healthcare.

[KeyD]

no, but that is a source i never thought of.

[kellyforbes]

I recently had an overnight stay in a NHS Hospital in Shrewsbury.As i am allergic to Latex,all instruments were latex free...When i returned home,i removed the Identification Wristband and discovered a red rash on the right wrist,beneath where the wristband was worn for no more that 27 hours in total.I handled the wristband and put it aside,within 30 minutes ,both hands were covered in a severe rash..I still have the rash,though after treating it with Dermovate and taking 120mgs Antihistamine since it happened [19th March 2010]..i am having to wear cotton gloves until the reaction responds to the treatment.I contacted the manufacturers European branch in Belgium and they have told me that [no latex] is used in the manufacture of the wristbands !..The skin on both palms of my hands is now peeling it is painful and very itchy..the raised red area on the wrist is slowly receding. Has anyone else suffered from this allergic reaction to Hospital Wristbands ?....

[stevet927]

After a recent dental procedure, I developed some discomfort a couple days later inside my upper lip and swelling that continued for nearly a week. The discomfort was not too bad except when I pressed under my nose, and there was some sensitivity along the top of my upper gums. My dentist and doctor didn't know whether my condition was the result of an infection, an allergic reaction, or something else, though my dentist admitted to having worn latex gloves. The swelling gradually moved up to my cheeks and under my eyes and my upper lip and cheeks were protruding. I wasn't running a fever, and I didn't have itching or redness. I knew that I did have a mild (I thought) allergy to latex, but the symptoms had begun a day after the procedure and in past I'd had an immediate reaction to latex gloves worn by dentists. It appears that the recent ordeal was indeed caused by my allergy to latex. The inflammation subsided within a few more days. The nurse practitioner at the clinic told me she thought that latex gloves should be banned. She said that they've seen many cases of allergic reactions to latex. In my case, the experience may have been a blessing in disguise. I will be ultra-vigilant in future. Sometimes medical staff overlook such details, even when they're clearly flagged in a patient's medical records. My dentist concurs with Dr_Veena that it can be life-threatening.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
      Yes, it is proven that latex allergy can get worse and can be life threatening leading to anaphylactic shock in case of repeated exposure to latex products. Prevention is the only method to avoid these symptoms. In case of shock epinephrine injections with supportive treatment can help cope with this. While minor allergies can be controlled with antihistamines. Best