Latex gloves are very important in preventing transmission of infections to both patients and health care workers. There are some health care workers and patients; however that exposure to latex will result in allergic reactions. Increased latex allergy symptoms among health care workers are becoming almost epidemic and more cases of allergic reactions are being reported.

Latex is a natural rubber product manufactured from milky fluids from the rubber tree or Hevea brasiliensi. There are several types of synthetic rubber gloves that may be called latex, but these synthetic substances do not release proteins that cause allergic reactions.

Latex Allergies

Certain natural proteins in latex rubber cause latex allergies and are credited to a reaction to those proteins. The amount of latex exposure needed to produce an allergic reaction is different in each person, but it is known that increasing the exposure to latex proteins will cause high allergy symptoms. If you are highly sensitized to latex, symptoms begin within minutes of exposure. These allergy symptoms can also occur hours later and symptoms are varied. Mild reactions include skin redness, hives, itching or a rash. Severe reactions may cause respiratory symptoms that result in a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. In very severe cases asthma or difficulty breathing plus wheezing are symptoms. Rarely do you go into shock and life-threatening reactions to latex are few and far between.

Risks

Health care workers are at high risk of developing latex allergies. This is due to the frequent use of latex gloves. Housekeepers, hairdressers and workers in latex manufacturing plants are also at risk for allergy symptoms.

Skin contact using gloves is not the only way that you can be exposed to latex. The lubricant powder used in some latex gloves can become airborne and cause allergies when this powder is inhaled.

Treatments

If you detect symptoms early, reducing exposure to latex usually solves the problem. It can be noted however when an employee develops and allergy to latex, singular precautions need to be taken to prevent further exposure. Total latex circumvention is the most effective approach to treating latex allergy symptoms.

If you feel that you are allergic to latex gloves you need to follow several procedures:

– Using no latex gloves if you are not preparing foods or doing routine housekeeping.

– If you handle infectious materials you can use latex gloves which are considered as high protective barriers, but avoid those gloves that have powder in them.

– When wearing latex gloves do not use oil based lotions that cause glove deteriorations and release allergic proteins.

– Take latex allergy education and training provided through HIPPA and other medical education programs.

– Recognize the symptoms of skin rash, hives, itching, and asthma.

If you believe that you have a latex allergy, prevent contact with latex gloves and other latex products until you see a specialist. Do stay away from areas where you might breathe in the powder from latex gloves. Immediately inform your health care providers that you had a latex allergy and wear a medical alert bracelet so that you are not accidently treated by medical personnel using latex gloves.

For more information, please visit our Latex Allergy Training website.

For more information, please visit our Latex Allergy Training website http://www.hipaaexams.com/latex-allergy.asp

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our Latex Allergy Training website.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Latex Allergy Training