Parsteiner Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Hives’

Latex allergies are something that was once a big problem with health care professionals. Now that they have other types of gloves the problem isn’t as problematic. There are still groups of people who have allergic reactions to latex and for these people avoiding latex products is important. It is the rubbery substance that gloves are made out of that causes the allergy sufferers an outbreak, not latex based paints. Allergic reactions can have a delayed or an immediate reaction.

Immediate reactions have the potential to be fatal. Direct contact with latex can trigger allergic reactions. Within a short time, usually only minutes, of exposure the allergy sufferer begins to break out in hives. Shortly thereafter tightness in the throat starts, wheezing and breathing difficulties can quickly move to anaphylaxis and then death. For most people with serious reactions, it requires actual physical contact with latex, for some people their allergies are so serious and they are so sensitive that just taking a pill that was in a bottle having a latex stopper in it can cause a serious, immediate allergic reaction.

A delayed latex allergy can cause itchy reddened and mildly swollen skin in the area that the latex contacted about 12 to 24 hours after the contact. This is an annoying reaction but is generally harmless. This type of reaction is from the chemicals used in the process of making latex.

An allergy specialist can do a patch test by putting components of latex on the skin and reading the results in 48 to 96 hours to diagnose a delayed reaction. Immediate reactions are difficult to test for with skin tests due to a lack of latex extract instead RAST is used. Allergy tests should only be done by a licensed doctor who is experienced in allergy diagnosis.

There a few food allergies that often cause symptoms that are similar to those found in people who have latex allergies. These include avocado, banana, chestnuts, kiwi, and melons.

The best way to treat this type of allergy is to prevent exposure to latex. If you have already been exposed to latex the treating the symptoms to find relief is your next course of action. Latex balloons, condoms, and gloves used in cleaning as well as those used in medical practices should be avoided. This is only the beginning; there are latex pacifiers, latex nipples for baby bottles, erasers toys, rubber bands and more. Reading the labels on products before handling them if you are sensitive is of utmost importance.

If you are going to have surgery the hospital and the physician need to know of your allergy and they need to clean the rooms thoroughly and make sure to use only non-latex gloves and instruments that have not been in contact with latex products.

Allergy attacks should be treated by a physician immediately if there are any breathing difficulties. There are shots that can be given to help prevent allergic reactions. An epinephrine shot may be needed if the allergy attack is severe. Most people with severe latex allergies carry an EpiPen to treat immediate reactions.

Sun allergies can be a dangerous reaction to the sun especially when many people who suffer from sun allergies don’t even know they have it. Sun allergies can resemble sunburn. This is why many people don’t even realize that they are allergic to sunlight. This is commonly called photosensitivity.

There are some things to look for, though. If you are outside for only a few minutes and already notice redness to exposed parts of your body, you want to be careful when outdoors. Try to cover up these parts of the body by wearing loose, light fitting clothing, a hat and staying in the shade. Some of the more common places are the hands, forearms, legs and back of the neck. The rashes could be itchy or burning and last for a few days. It can go away by itself, or you may need to see a doctor. Treatments for sun allergies range from oral beta-carotene to topical creams. Some more severe cases can include blisters or hives over the body. You should be especially careful if you develop these symptoms on parts of the body that were clothed, like your chest and back.

A doctor may perform some more serious tests such as a biopsy or blood test to rule out any other problems. There are also medications and lotions that can make the skin more susceptible to sun allergies. Read the label of all products to be safe.

There is a difference between sunburn and sun allergies. Sunburns occur when the body’s protective skin pigment can’t protect the skin well enough from ultraviolet light. When you have an allergy to sunlight, your body’s immune system reacts against it. This is what causes the breakout on your skin.

To avoid sun allergies, just a follow a few simple tips:

1. Don’t go outside during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Your body will have a quicker reaction at this time of day.
2. Don’t deliberately sunbathe, even in tanning beds. Those with sun allergies won’t be happy with the results.
3. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors. Apply it every two hours, after swimming and working out.
4. Dress properly. Wear light clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Remember, even if you do not suffer from sun allergies, you should always be safe while outdoors. You can get skin cancer and wrinkles from over exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen and don’t stay outside during peak sunlight hours longer than you have to.