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Is It Safe To Eat Food Handled With Latex Gloves If You're Allergic To Latex?
© Pearl PhotoPix/Shutterstock Woman with latex gloves and food When you're allergic to something, you probably try to avoid that allergen, but it can be difficult to know all of the places an allergen may be lurking. Latex is one allergen that can be found in places that might surprise you. When someone has a latex allergy, their immune system has an exaggerated and sometimes very intense reaction to some of the proteins found in latex, says WebMD. It's believed that continuous contact with latex can lead to the development of an allergy. In fact, up to 10% of healthcare workers who regularly wear latex gloves develop an allergy, as do many people who use latex condoms. So even if you don't have a latex allergy now, being aware of how often you expose yourself to it may be helpful, should you develop an allergy in the future.
Natural rubber latex is a plant-derived material created from the sap of various plants mostly found in Latin and South American countries (per U.S. Forest Service). Fun fact, explorers Hernan Cortez and Christopher Columbus discovered latex in Mexico and the Caribbean, respectively. Today, latex is used as a bonding agent in a plethora of products, including mattresses, paint, cosmetic products, and clothing. Allergic reactions to latex can occur after physical contact with latex items, like balloons and gloves (via Mayo Clinic). Keep in mind, this allergen can still reach you through particles in the air after another person removes latex gloves or latex is used in the handling of products.
The Danger Of Latex Particles
© triocean/Shutterstock Woman grocery shopping with latex gloves Latex particles are one way that this allergen can unknowingly reach someone with a latex allergy (per Mayo Clinic). A 2008 study published in the Journal of Food Protection found that latex proteins from the use of latex gloves by food handlers can contaminate items and cause consumers with latex allergies to have allergic reactions. Researchers determined that repeated, prolonged exposure to products containing latex can create a predisposition for a latex allergy. Especially for people who are atopic, meaning that they are prone to allergies. Recurrent exposure to latex includes the absorption of particles. The findings of the study led researchers to advocate for the replacement of latex gloves in the food processing industry with non-latex gloves.
Not only can allergy-causing proteins be passed through latex particles in the air and through consumption of food handled with latex gloves, but there are several foods that contain similar proteins to latex and can cause what is called a cross-reaction (via New York State Department of Health). If you are allergic to latex, then you may be at risk of having a cross-reaction to foods, including rye, wheat, chestnuts, hazelnuts, celery, raw potatoes, and carrots. There are many fruits that can also cause cross-reactions, like grapes, cherries, pineapple, avocados, bananas, strawberries, apples, tomatoes, kiwi, pears, plums, papaya, nectarines, peaches, passion fruit, and figs.
How To Keep Food Latex-Free
© Netrun78/Shutterstock Food storage containers on shelves If you have a latex allergy, there are several things you can do to keep yourself and your food safe. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends avoiding cross-reactive foods. Allergic reactions to this are known as Latex-Fruit Allergy or Latex-Food Syndrome. Nevertheless, it's always best to speak with your doctor about which foods are safe to eat if you have a known latex allergy. You'll want to refrain from consuming food that has had contact with other latex-containing items, like rubber bands, glues, and adhesives used to seal containers (via WebMD). Be mindful of the items used to prepare food, like rubber gloves and sink mats that may come into contact with serving dishes and utensils. Avoid utensils made of rubber and those with rubber grips. When choosing food storage products, look for items that specifically state they're latex-free (per MIC).
The AAFA recommends knowing the signs of a latex allergic reaction, and if you have a known allergy to latex, learning how to administer self-inject epinephrine in the event of a severe reaction. According to Mayo Clinic, mild-to-moderate symptoms of a latex allergic reaction include itchiness, sneezing, runny nose, redness of the skin, and a scratchy throat. Latex allergy can present a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, for which signs are trouble breathing, vomiting, dizziness, sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. If someone has signs of anaphylaxis, immediate emergency medical care should be sought.
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The Signs And Symptoms Of Contact Dermatitis
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If you experience itchy, red skin after coming into contact with an irritating substance, chances are you have contact dermatitis. This can be caused by either sensitivity or allergy to various substances such as metal, rubber, or sunscreen.
The two most common types of contact dermatitis occur when your skin is exposed to something that you're especially sensitive to or that you're allergic to. This first type is known as irritant contact dermatitis. The second is known as allergic contact dermatitis.
If you have allergic contact dermatitis, then your body will trigger an immune system response that makes the skin itchy and irritated.
Examples of substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis include:
Irritant contact dermatitis is mostly caused by toxins, such as detergents and chemicals in cleaning products. It can also result from repeated exposure to nontoxic substances.
Soap is an example of a substance that can cause either allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis doesn't always cause a skin reaction right away. Instead, you may notice symptoms that take place anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
Symptoms associated with allergic contact dermatitis include:
These symptoms can last anywhere from two to four weeks after exposure.
There's a difference between an allergic reaction that could affect your breathing — known as an anaphylactic reaction — and an allergic contact dermatitis one.
Serious allergic reactions involve the body releasing an antibody known as IgE. This antibody isn't released in allergic contact dermatitis reactions.
If you have a skin rash that just won't go away or have skin that feels chronically irritated, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.
If these other symptoms apply, you may also need to see your doctor:
If your doctor thinks allergic contact dermatitis may be to blame, they can refer you to an allergy specialist.
An allergy specialist can perform patch testing, which involves exposing your skin to small amounts of substances that commonly cause allergies.
You'll wear the skin patch for about 48 hours, keeping it as dry as possible. After a day, you'll return to your doctor's office so they can look at the skin exposed to the patch. You'll also come back about a week later to further inspect the skin.
If you experience a rash within a week of exposure, you likely have an allergy. Some people may experience an immediate skin reaction, however.
Even if your skin doesn't react to a substance, you can be on the lookout for substances that commonly cause your skin to be irritated. Some people keep a journal of their skin symptoms and determine what they were around when the reaction occurred.
Your doctor can recommend allergic contact dermatitis treatments based on what's causing your reaction and its severity. The following are some examples of common treatments.
For mild reactions:
For severe reactions causing facial swelling, or if the rash covers your mouth:
For an infection, antibiotics are recommended.
Avoid scratching your rash because scratching can cause infection.
Once you determine what's causing your allergic contact dermatitis, you should avoid that substance. This will often mean you must take care when reading labels for skin care products, household cleaners, jewelry, and more.
If you suspect that you've come into contact with any substances you may be allergic to, wash the area with soap and lukewarm water as quickly as possible. Applying cool, wet compresses may also help soothe itching and irritation.
Avoiding the allergen as much as possible is the only way to keep your skin from becoming itchy and irritated. If you experience severe symptoms, see your doctor.
7 Best OTC Allergy Medicines Of 2023, According To Allergists
Some allergy medicines like antihistamines can cause side effects, such as:
Corticosteroids, which come in several forms, can also cause side effects, such a unpleasant taste, nosebleeds, nose irritation from nasal spray use, mouth or throat irritation or oral yeast infections from inhalers, and cataracts, glaucoma or infections from eye drops.
To prevent side effects from allergy medicines, speak with your health care provider to determine the right medication and dosage for you, and to monitor use if needed.
Will Allergy Medicine Make Me Drowsy?Allergy medicines, specifically antihistamines, can cause drowsiness. Some antihistamines, typically referred to as first generation antihistamines, create a blood-barrier effect that occurs when the drug crosses from the blood to the brain, which can cause sedation. Non-drowsy antihistamines, or second generation antihistamines, are less likely to cause this effect.
Antihistamines may also affect a person's ability to drive and a child's ability to learn due to the potential drowsiness they can cause. Consult your health care provider if you or your child are taking antihistamines to make sure they're safe to use.
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