Latex allergy

[Nana RN]

I have posted this message three times now I never see it anywhere or get a response - please help - if anyone knows about a systemic latex allergy please send me a message and I will tell you troubles and ask for advise - Thanks

[EmmaG, RN]

Well I'll be damned:

Gloves made from nitrile are produced with the same accelerator mercaptobenzathiazole, as some latex gloves. Persons with suspected irritant or allergic contact dermatitis to latex gloves may also react to nitrile.

So wearing those 'purple gloves' might not help at all...

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the info, interesting about the fruit and food combo that seems to follow this allergens path or so in your case. I've seen many a latex-free hospital, and notice in interviewing and on H & P's there is a Latex concern that has become part of "their policy" to ask. Glad you are feeling better and better informed !

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Knowledge = power:

Curiously, certain fruits such as bananas, chestnuts, kiwi fruit, avocado and tomato13 show cross-reactivity, perhaps because of resemblance to a latex protein component. These foods have been responsible for anaphylactic reactions in latex-sensitive persons, while many other foods, including figs, apples, celery, melons, potatoes, papayas and pitted fruits, such as cherries and peaches, have caused progressive symptoms beginning with oral itching.14 Persons with a history of reactions to these foods are at increased risk of developing latex allergy, and those who are sensitive to latex should avoid foods to which they have had previous reactions.

TABLE 4

Sources of Possible Latex Exposure

Medical

Gloves

Urinary catheters

Face masks

Tourniquets

Adhesive tape

Bandages

Wound drains

Injection ports

Electrode pads

Rubber syringe stoppers and medication vial stoppers

Bulb syringes

Mattresses on stretchers

Dental devices

Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff tubing

Ambu bags

PCA syringes

Household

Balloons

Condoms and diaphragms

Rubber bands

Shoe soles

Erasers

Toys

Sports equipment

Carpet backing

Feeding nipples and pacifiers

Clothing, including elastic on underwear

Food handled with powdered latex gloves

Handles on racquets, tools

Diapers, sanitary and incontinence pads

Computer mouse pads

Buttons on electronic equipment

[EmmaG, RN]

Allergens levels vary considerably in gloves from different manufacturers, and from lot to lot, with higher levels occurring in powdered gloves and examination gloves than in powder-free gloves and surgical gloves. Latex gloves that are inadequately processed during manufacture contain loosely-bound protein that readily rubs off or leaches into sweat, then accumulates on glove wearers' hands and easily transfers by touch to other persons and objects (e.g. medical records, telephones, doorknobs, food, etc.). Therefore, it is essential that glove users wash their hands between glove changes and after removal, and avoid touching objects or latex-sensitized persons with latex gloves or unwashed hands.

http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/HealthcareandPolicyIssues/ANAPositionStatements/workplac/wklatex14544.aspx

Whoa.

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

Doesn't that just p*** u off, that u are essentially ignored by your co-workers? I just kept telling myself what if this was happenening to you. I know i would not treat them so indiginiatly (sp). Hang in there E and bring that note from your Doc!!!!!!!!

[Dragonnurse1, ASN, RN]

Ok to ALL RN's Lpn's CNA's, etc. This is not just an allergy I have read all the responses and still see so many of yu wearing blinders. Did you know that once you have developed latex allergies that your children are 50% more likely to have allergies (Mayo Clinic). The list was nice but so incomplete. Did you know that every time you sign on carbonless paper you are exposed?

Natural Rubber Latex contains 205 protiens and only 9 have been isolated and proved to be allergens. We are years away from being "safe".

Food allergies are not caused by the peel. Peeling tomatoes and potatos will not stop the allergic reactions. E is right - prior to first "latex" reaction I had knee surgery and my brace was made of neoprene (like the diving suits) and I reacted so badly. But the Dr's say that people cannot be allergic to neoprene.

Last I checked Kimberly Clark's website had very good info. Also go to LAForum on Yahoo.com in their files they have one of the best collection on what is what. Lastly try http://www.immune.com/rubber/not necessarily rubber.html. I hope that site is still up.It lists on left if your react to this and on the right it lists the offender.