Over 90% of natural rubber comes from the latex, or milky sap, of the rubber tree - Hevea brasiliensis. Latex is used in a large number of products including adhesives, foam, and carpet backing as well as in a number of "dipped" products which includes gloves, catheters, condoms, balloons, etc. Natural latex rubber is also found in toys, erasers, sports equipment, clothing, elastic bands, and many medical and dental devices. For reasons not yet clearly understood, some individuals can become allergic to certain constituents of the latex molecule. Once allergic, you may remain sensitive for the rest of your life. The common reactions of latex sensitive individuals exposed to latex are contact urticaria, dermatitis and asthma.
Contact urticaria usually presents with itching and swelling of the skin at the site of contact with latex. This may, for example, be hands from wearing gloves, genitals from contact with condoms, etc. The symptoms usually start within 5 - 15 minutes after coming into contact with the latex article, although it can be delayed for several hours. Symptoms can continue from several hours to days after the latex contact has ceased.
Contact dermatitis from latex may take several days to appear. It presents with an itchy, scaly rash, although there may be small blisters if the reaction is acute. The rash will usually last several days to weeks but if exposure to latex continues, the rash will last longer. Contact dermatitis is not generally caused by sensitivity to latex protein but rather to the chemicals used in the manufacture of the latex product, including antioxidants and rubber accelerators e.g. thiuram, carbamates, MBT, etc. Immediate-type hypersensitivity requires previous sensitisation and is the most potentially dangerous reaction to latex.
A common cause for the asthmatic reaction is powdered gloves. The starch powder picks up the latex proteins and when the gloves are removed the powders can then be inhaled or come into contact with the skin on the face where it can cause an allergic reaction.
Natracare products do not contain latex.