How To Live with an Allergy to Latex

Ask any allergy sufferer and they will tell you that living with allergies is no picnic.  Most people who suffer from allergies deal with seasonal issues.  However, living with a latex allergy is a year-long struggle.  Even worse, not many people understand the severity of a latex allergy and therefore don't take the necessary precautions around those who suffer from it.  It's very important to take certain steps to protect yourself if you are the one who lives with an allergy to latex.

• First and foremost, make sure that every single doctor you deal with knows about your allergy to latex.  There was a time, just a few years ago, when doctors did not ask their patients if they had a latex allergy.  Through the years the allergy has become more common.  These days it is more common for doctors to ask.  However, if you are not asked, make sure to mention it to any medical personnel about to touch you.  Most doctors’ offices now have non-latex gloves and other equipment available for patients who live with an allergy to latex.  In fact, some doctor's offices don't even have latex gloves anymore -- most likely because overexposure to latex gloves has led to an increase in latex allergies in the medical field.
• If you live with a latex allergy, it's important to avoid certain fruits: bananas, kiwis, and avocados.  Eating any of these fruits can heighten your sensitivity if you come into contact with latex.
• If your latex allergy causes you to have a skin breakout, make sure to see your doctor or dermatologist to discuss your options.  There are many prescription creams available to help take the inflammation and itch out of these allergy breakouts.  Be forewarned though - many of these creams have steroids in them.  You need to be careful to not over use steroid creams.
• If your latex allergy causes more severe reactions, such as breathing problems, it may not be a bad idea to ask your doctor about an Epi Pen.  An Epi Pen can be used to help save the life of someone who is having a severe allergic reaction.

Living with an allergy to latex can be challenging.  However, being more active in your medical treatment and more aware of your surroundings on a day-to-day basis can help reduce the number of allergic reactions you will have to deal with.