Latex, rubber or rubber is found in many everyday objects, such as all kinds of gloves, balloons, toys, medical supplies, underwear, footwear and condoms. This material frequently causes problems in health, cleaning and restaurant personnel.
How does a latex allergy appear?
You are not born with this allergy, but it appears with repeated contact with something that contains latex and it can take months or years to appear. We know that people who have another type of allergy are more likely to suffer from it.
Immediate urticaria may appear on the skin, or eczema may appear after a few days, in this case requiring a longer contact time.
Rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, even anaphylaxis with a drop in blood pressure can appear in the respiratory system. You have to be careful when inflating balloons or inhaling the dust that some gloves contain inside.
Sexual intercourse
Symptoms on the penis during sex with a condom depend on the degree of sensitization of the person. If the degree of allergy is very great, immediately or after a few minutes, you will feel itching and inflammation of the penis, sometimes even hives will appear outside the genital region. Rarer would be a drop in blood pressure from anaphylactic shock. If the degree of allergy is less, the inflammation will be less and later.
In the vagina the same thing that we have mentioned for the penis would happen. But as the mucosa of the vagina has more contact surface with the condom, the symptoms could be stronger and distant reactions such as hives or shock more frequent.
With latex allergy, condoms made of this material should be avoided. Some have used a barrier cream in the vagina with poor results. Others have done previous treatment, a few hours before with antihistamines or corticosteroids, with some result if the allergy is little, but given the inconvenience of the medication, it is best to avoid the condom.
Are there foods you shouldn’t eat?
Yes, especially bananas, chestnuts, kiwis and avocados . They will also be careful with apricots, peaches, melons, pineapples, tomatoes, peanuts, and figs.
Of course, not all allergy sufferers have symptoms when eating these foods, many can eat all kinds of foods. It is best that you consult with your doctor.
Conclution
Latex allergy is more common than we might think. For its study and treatment it is important that you go to an allergist who will be able to indicate an antiallergic vaccine depending on your profession and hobbies or another type of treatment.
It is important to carry out a preventive treatment and eliminate certain objects and foods. Allergy sufferers must learn to recognize objects with latex to avoid them. They should always identify themselves when they go to a health center and even have a warning medal or bracelet. If they have suffered severe symptoms, their doctor will indicate an emergency medication that they should carry with them.
Dr. José Serrano Sánchez-Villacañas is a member of Saluspot and an allergist at the Dr. Serrano Clinic.
