Latex allergy

Latex allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex. It can cause immediate allergic symptoms or, less commonly, delayed contact dermatitis.

Natural rubber latex: A milky fluid from rubber trees that is processed into elastic materials containing natural rubber proteins. Its proteins are the allergens that trigger latex allergy.
Latex-fruit syndrome: An association in which some people allergic to natural rubber latex also react to certain plant foods. Shared proteins can link latex allergy with reactions to foods such as banana, avocado, or chestnut.
Hevea brasiliensis: A tropical tree whose sap is the principal commercial source of natural rubber latex. Its latex supplies the proteins implicated in most natural rubber latex allergies.
Irritant contact dermatitis: Skin inflammation caused by direct damage from irritants rather than an allergen-specific immune response. Glove-related rashes may be irritation, not latex allergy.
Immunoglobulin E: An antibody class that binds allergens and can trigger rapid allergic reactions through immune cells. Latex proteins can provoke IgE responses that release inflammatory chemicals.
Contact urticaria: A localized wheal-and-flare skin reaction that appears soon after contact with a trigger. Direct skin contact with latex can cause hives in IgE-sensitized people.
Latex protein: A protein naturally present in rubber-tree latex, some of which can act as an allergen. These proteins, rather than synthetic rubber itself, trigger the specific immune response.
Allergic contact dermatitis: A delayed skin inflammation caused by immune sensitization to a substance contacting the skin. Rubber additives can cause this condition even when latex proteins are not the trigger.
Mast cell: A tissue-resident immune cell that releases histamine and other mediators during allergic reactions. IgE-bound mast cells drive many immediate symptoms after latex exposure.
Allergic rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal lining caused by an allergic response to airborne or contact allergens. Airborne latex proteins can cause nasal symptoms, particularly around powdered gloves.

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