Allergy to Latex (condoms): what to do?
Self Achievement

Allergy to latex (condoms): what to do?: How do you know that you are allergic to latex, a substance found in gloves for medical use but also in condoms or certain sex toys? How to protect yourself when having sex? Answers from an allergist.

Today, Latex Allergy is quite rare: it is estimated that less than 1% of French people are affected. People working in the medical field are the most exposed. It has also been found that this allergy is sometimes with others, such as an allergy to fruit or cannabis… Investigation of allergic reactions to latex.

What is latex?

“The latex comes from the rubber tree, a native to the Amazonian forest, explains doctor Chabane, the allergist. It serves to protect the tree from injury. The tree heals by creating this liquid substance that coagulates in the air. It is from this latex that we obtain the rubber used to make car tires, industrial seals, etc. When we talk about condoms or latex gloves, we are talking about natural latex to which ammonia has to prevent coagulation. These items made by dipping shapes in a bath of latex. »

Where does latex allergy come from?

It is necessary to differentiate two types of allergic reactions, completely opposite on the clinical level, specifies the specialist:

• The oldest known is contact allergy (eczema) to latex additives,
• Since the 1980s, immediate allergy to latex proteins has emerged. The latter is also the most serious.

Since Dr. Nutter described immediate allergy in 1979, latex protein allergy has seen a dramatic increase during the 1980s. This coincides with the epidemics of AIDS and hepatitis B. Indeed, To fight against the spread of these diseases, the WHO (World Health Organization) notably encouraged the wearing of single-use gloves. Thus, Malaysia supplied 80% of the world’s production of gloves.

With the elimination of the washing steps, the latex products were richer in residual proteins. In addition, the use of single-use powdered latex gloves disseminated volatile particles in the air which was responsible for the increase in immediate latex allergy. Cases were increasing, especially in the hospital environment where latex is present everywhere: gloves, rubber masks, probes, etc. Cases have also been in other spaces where latex is present, such as sports stores.

Notable improvements since the late 90s:

Improved manufacturing methods (washed gloves and condoms low in latex protein and nitrile substitutes (blue gloves), silicone and neoprene (masks, catheters), polyurethane (condoms), etc.) have led to a reduction drastic reduction of this man-made allergy.

A cross allergy with certain foods and cannabis!

As the allergist points out, “it was found that, among people who became allergic to latex proteins, some developed a cross-allergy with fruits: banana, avocado, kiwi, melon, chestnut. But also cannabis…”

What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?

Different symptoms, cutaneous or respiratory, local or general, can be by a latex allergy:

• An immediate reaction to contact with the latex with hives on the hands (gloves) or on the genitals (condoms);
• Generalized hives after contact with latex objects;
• Angioedema (subcutaneous oedema);
• Rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis (nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, etc.);
• Asthma (difficulty breathing, feeling of lack of air);
• Anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis (this reaction is serious and constitutes a medical emergency).

How do we know that we are allergic?

“If the above symptoms presented, we will then look for situations of potential exposure to latex or populations at risk (namely medical personnel, patients who have had multiple operations, people with an allergic background, children with birth defects requiring multiple surgeries). Consider this if you have food allergies to certain fruits. We will establish the diagnosis with skin tests with an allergist or with a blood test, ”explains the allergist.

Is it curable? What to do if you are allergic to latex?

There is no desensitization treatment for this allergy. On the other hand, the person can avoid contact with latex objects and take an antihistamine in the event of mild symptoms.

In the event of a confirmed allergy, the patient must report their condition to the medical staff in order to avoid exposure to latex during treatment (dentist, medical examinations, surgery, etc.). A latex allergy card is also given to the patient. It is used to inform the nursing staff in the event of a road accident (otherwise a doctor and in particular a surgeon will use latex gloves).
An emergency kit with self–injectable adrenaline can also be considered for the most serious cases.

Latex allergy: how to protect yourself when having sex?

• No problem for condoms! Today there are condoms without latex, such as Durex Nude or Skyn Elite (polyisoprene) and others. Note also that female condoms do not contain latex.
• Ditto for sex toys which are, for the most part, made of silicone, like the Velve Macy Vibrator Magic Wand from Sinful or in ecological materials such as the Womanizer Premium Eco (Biolene).
• For gloves, there are again solutions, such as those in nitrile mentioned above.

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