Incidence and High-Risk PopulationsSigns and SymptomsWHAT HAS LATEX?Routes of Exposure to LatexLatex Allergy Awareness This fact sheet is designed to provide students with an overview of latex allergy, and how to limit exposure to latex products What is a Latex Allergy? Latex allergy is a reaction that results from repeated exposures to proteins contained in natural rubber latex through skin contact or inhalation. Reactions can occur within minutes to hours following an exposure and produce varying symptoms. Incidence and High-Risk Populations Those susceptible to latex allergy include physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMT’s, firefighters, food service workers, painters, gardeners, and funeral home employees. An estimated 10 to 12% of regularly exposed healthcare workers are sensitized to latex allergy! Patients with history of spina bifida, spinal cord injury, multiple surgeries, eczema, and fruit allergies are also at risk for developing latex sensitivity. Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms vary from a mild, local reactions (hives, rhinitis) to a more serious, systemic reaction such as anaphylaxis (hypotension, tachycardia, bronchospasm). WHAT HAS LATEX? MEDICAL SUPPLIES BP CUFFS MASKS STETHOSCOPES AIRWAYS TOPS OF MULTI-DOSE VIALS TOURNIQUETS IV TUBING SYRINGES ECG LEADS FOLEY CATHETERS GLOVES GOGGLES GOWNS SUCTION TUBING WOUND DRAINS OTHER SUPPLIES RUBBER BANDS ERASERS TIRES WAISTBANDS CONDOMS MOTORCYCLE GRIPS BABY BOTTLE NIPPLES CARPETING HOT WATER BOTTLE SWIMMING GOGGLES SHOES BALLOONS PACIFIERS PAINT GARDEN HOSES IF IT IS RED, BLACK, OR TAN, IF IT STRETCHES AND SNAPS BACK, IT PROBABLY CONTAINS LATEX! Routes of Exposure to Latex Patients and healthcare workers can be exposed to latex in one of two ways during a normal patient care situation: direct contact and inhalation. Direct skin contact occurs when the skin contacts the latex product through gloves, tourniquets, blood pressure cuff tubing, etc. Inhalationoccurs when a healthcare provider removes a latex glove, especially a powdered glove. Latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. Reactions to Latex REACTION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INFORMATION Irritant contact dermatitis Dry, itchy, irritated skin Not a true allergy Chemical sensitivity dermatitis Rash, oozing blisters- similar to poison ivy Develops after 24- 48 hours Latex Allergy Ranges from itchy skin, redness, and hives to full anaphylaxis May occur immediately after exposure or maybe delayed minutes to hours Reduce Your Risk of Developing A Latex Allergy If you develop problems avoid contact with latex products, and wear a medic Anyone in frequent contact with latex is at risk for developing an allergy to latex. This includes medical products containing latex, as well as latex gloves. To reduce the chance of allergy: • Use powder-free gloves. • Do not use oil-based hand creams or lotions with latex gloves. These may cause glove deterioration. • Wash hands with a mild soap after glove removal. • Dry hands thoroughly after washing. • Practice good housekeeping to reduce latex dust in work areas. • Recognize the signs of early latex sensitivity (Itchy, red skin; sinus, eye problems) • alert
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