If you have a latex allergy you may have a cross reaction to certain fruits. The type of fruits that contain similar proteins to latex include avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, melon, plums, strawberries and tomatoes. It may be that you are able to continue eating these foods with no symptoms however it is important to be aware of the possibility that, as part of this cross reactivity, you may develop an itchy and/or swollen mouth or throat. What should I do if I suspect I have a latex allergy? Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a milky fluid obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is widely grown in south-east Asia. As with many other natural products, NRL contains proteins to which some individuals may develop an allergy. Employees with latex allergy, latex sensitivity or latex-induced asthma should use non-latex gloves

There are several types of synthetic rubber materials used instead of natural rubber latex for protective gloves. PVC gloves are widely available and safe. If you have been advised to carry non-latex gloves for use in an emergency, it is sensible to carry a large size. Suitable gloves are Ansell Dermoprene, Elastryren, Johnson & Johnson Allergard, Neolon The majority of healthcare products containing NRL are 'medical devices' as defined by the Medical Devices Regulations 1999. Therefore, their manufacture and provision are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Recent research This section provides useful links to sources of guidance, research and information on the management of dermatitis in the health and social care sector. Natural rubber latex proteins have the potential to cause asthma and dermatitis. Although rare, more serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis are also possible. The amount of latex exposure needed to induce sensitisation is unknown. A substance which causes sensitisation can also cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Once sensitisation has taken place, further exposure to the substance, even to low levels, may cause a reaction. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of inducing a sensitised state and triggering allergic symptoms.

Coming to hospital

In employees who are latex allergic/sensitised, taking latex avoidance measures results in symptoms reducing or disappearing the health of individuals with existing latex allergy is not put at significant risk if colleagues use either low protein, powder free latex gloves or latex-free gloves. An exception might be if the affected employee has anaphylaxis. However, in all cases where employees have work-related medical conditions, competent medical advice should have been sought to finish with a private (for you only) TeX installation. Executables like lualatex will be installed in ~/bin.

The evidence and conclusions from the NHS Plus Occupational Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit report provide reassurance that: Once the diagnosis of allergy to natural rubber latex has been confirmed avoidance is the key to preventing exposure and further reactions. Letting other people know you have a latex allergy is important, including your employer, if you are at risk, through your job, of exposure to latex. You should also tell any Healthcare/ beauty/hairdressing provider that they will need to avoid latex gloves and equipment containing latex. If you have been prescribed allergy medication it is important that you can recognise allergy signs and symptoms and know how and when to use your medication and/or adrenaline auto injector device. If you do need to use emergency allergy medication (your adrenaline auto injector) then an ambulance should be called immediately to ensure that skilled medical help and access to any further medication is on its way. Do you want to set up a private (for you only) TeX installation, or do you want to set up a shared (system-wide) TeX installation? The use of powder-free, low-protein latex gloves as an alternative to powdered latex gloves significantly reduces the incidence of latex allergy and latex-induced asthma, as well as the prevalence of latex-related symptoms. Powdered latex gloves should therefore not be used in the workplace In employees with latex-induced asthma or rhinitis, the use of powder-free, low-protein gloves by colleagues reduces symptoms and indices of severity in the affected employee to a similar degree as the use of non-latex gloves by colleagues

Recent research

Latex allergy is less common now than it was in the 1990s when natural latex allergy was a common cause of allergic reactions, affecting healthcare workers and other occupations where there was exposure to latex gloves and other products containing latex rubber, as part of the job. Since latex and powder free gloves and other latex free products are now widely available, the amount of people with latex allergy has been reduced. What is natural rubber latex and how is it used?