Since realizing just recently that I am apparantely allergic to latex I have
done a lot of research about this issue.  The main one that bothers me the
most is that if over a year ago when I first had a problem related to my
latex gloves and my eye on two different occasions almost swelled shut and
became red and swollen - at that moment if I would have stopped coming in
contact with latex as much as possible it would have helped me now.  The
earlier and more frequently you come in contact the more you can develop an
allergy.  People who have had multiple operations - I have had several - are
at a greater risk.

But what I have learned is that it is not just the gloves and finger cots
that I will now have to be cautious about - ace bandages (stretchy),
balloons, rubber balls, beach toys, baby bottle nipples, pacifiers, condoms,
rubber sheets, envelope glue - etc. - even some shoes have latex in them.

For your information - in order to make sure no one else on Lactnet lets so
much time go by before realizing what is going on let me share some of the
symptoms.

Milder signs and symptoms
        generalized itching - hands, arms, etc.
        itching, watery or burning eyes
        sneezing, coughing (hayfever-type symptoms)

more severe responses
        skin rash (urticaria)
        swelling (edema) of the hands, face, neck, etc.
        bronchial asthma, scratchy throat, difficulty breathing
        hives
        anaphylaxis

The seriousness of repeated exposure to the latex allergen is often not
appreciated until it is too late.  Many times the symptoms have progressed
from a mild or moderate form to a severe form.

If you notice the following symptoms you should contact your doctor or
allergist immediately.

        contact urticaria after using latex or hypo-allergenic gloves
        frequent conjunctivitis, watery eyes, running nose, sneezing or
facial itching
        seasonal allergies that get better with time off from work

If you are allergic you should do the following

        1.  do not blow up balloons
        2.  check your home for latex products and use alternatives if possible
        3.  carry an epi-pen and wear a medic-alert bracelet (most health
care professionals will use latex gloves if you are taken in an ambulance or
to the hospital unless you specific otherwise)
        4.  call med-watch (a branch of FDA that registers allergic
responses due to latex and other medical devices) They can be reached at
1-800-FDA-1088
        5.  contact 1-800-latex-No
        6.  share your experiences


I hope my experiences can help someone else - plus we really should take
into consideration the babies we are checking with finger cots - why expose
them needlessly?

Rose  Straeter, IBCLC
Evansville, IN