Stories:
Milly Hencey, Female, 18
I found out I was allergic to latex by having a reaction from latex bands on my braces. My lips and gums were red, swollen, and sore, but I figured that I was just having a hard time with braces and decided to ignore it. A month into the reaction my orthodontist mentioned that it may be an allergic reaction to latex. So, he removed everything from my braces and my face slowly went back to normal. It took about two weeks for my lips and gums to heal and return to normal, and after that I switched to latex-free bands.
Anonymous, Male, 25
I found out I was allergic to latex while working at a fast food restaurant. When preparing and cooking food I was required to wear latex gloves. I constantly had swollen hands that would turn red, itch, and break out. I eventually went to the doctor and found out that I was having an allergic reaction to the latex in the gloves I had to wear at work.
Rachel, Female, 15
Hi I’m Rachel and I’m allergic to latex. I’ve known about it my whole life but it has increased in severity in the last few years.
I was at a woman of distinction event with Girl Scouts, in a big ballroom with maybe 4 latex balloons in it. I was not the only Scout there with a latex allergy but mine was the more severe type. I told the director of the girls and she gave me her number and told me to text her if I was having a reaction. My job was to walk a person to the stage and that would mean close contact with the balloons, so they switched me so I didn’t have to go there. I had an allergic reaction that had started worsening and had no Benadryl with me. I was taken out of the room and my parents were called to pick me up. I went home took Benadryl and I was fine. The director after the event decided that latex balloons were not allowed at Girl Scout events. This was the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake bay.
I have a second story. In school after multiple emails from the school nurse about my allergy to my teacher( because I was missing classes due to latex being in the classroom). I had a severe allergic reaction to a single latex balloon in my class. The worst reaction yet. My mother called the principal about it, the principal having a severe shellfish allergy understood us and banned latex in the school. Of course that didn’t stop people but the multiple announcements and repercussions did stop it. My school is now latex free.
Dr. Candace Powell
As latex allergies are becoming more common, we are responsible for helping a higher number of patients that are seeking care for symptoms relating to latex allergy. The symptoms of latex allergy can range from a mild rash to anaphylaxis. In addition, a significant amount of healthcare equipment that is used contains latex. This is an important issue both for health care providers who are allergic to latex as well as patients who are allergic to latex.