Living with a Latex Allergy

Living with a latex allergy is considerably easier than others allergies in some ways, but much harder in others. While it may seem difficult at first to adjust, there really isn't much to it once you're prepared. How do I mean it's easier than having other allergies? Well, unlike someone with a peanut allergy or a soy allergy where these ingredients are in nearly every food now, you are confined to a smaller list of products which can harm you. However, the products that can are widely used. Also, someone with a soy allergy doesn't have to worry about a hospital visit. You on the other hand have to request everything be changed, as hospitals tend to use latex for most of their equipment. While they are prepared to shift to hypoallergenic equipment, you have to let them know.

If you are going in for voluntary surgery (cosmetic, removing tumor, etc) make sure they know your allergy. Otherwise there is going to be some serious problems during surgery, and there is a high chance you could die from all the exposure. If not voluntary, be cautious. Make sure it is well known in your health record that you have an allergy to latex. After having a car crash and nearly bleeding to death, or any other accident, the last thing you need doctors to do is inadvertently make it worse by using latex equipment on you.

Now that we have the horrors out of the way, let's talk about ordinary life. You have to know what products contain latex. The most common are shoes, socks, underwear (or any clothes with an elastic band), and containers. There are also pencil erasers, toys, and other products. Ever in doubt, look up the product before buying or handling it, and you should be able to find its components.

If you look around, you should easily be able to find clothes without any rubber content (usually made of leather, cotton, or other comparable materials). The internet is best for this, as most stores in your area probably won't be prepared for those with allergies.

If for some reason you have to touch latex/rubber a lot, as in a job or when cleaning the house or any other obligatory task, you can avert allergy symptoms with gloves and a protective mask. Some people face allergies when breathing in latex, which is why I suggest the mask, and the gloves should be obvious.

Outside of hospital visits and difficulty finding clothes, living with a latex allergy is usually quite easy. Just be aware of what you are handling, and use precautionary methods for avoiding allergies.