Allergy to latex products may manifest itself in simple dermatitis,
or in a more serious whole body reaction, anaphylaxis. The term
"dermatitis" describes an inflammatory response of the skin, caused
by contact with allergens or irritants such as the latex in
surgical gloves or condoms. Contact with latex may produce an itchy
rash, redness, blisters and scaling, or may cause the more severe
anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a series of symptoms including dropping
blood pressure, swelling of the throat and tongue and difficulty
breathing.
Review Date: 11/01/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
