Are you allergic to latex?

Latex allergy is a common reaction to a certain kind of protein found in rubber.

Common household items such as rubber bands, balloons, rubber gloves, rubber cement, adhesive bandages, and even condoms contain this protein.

If you are sensitive to this protein, you are likely to have an allergic reaction whenever you contact any of these common household items.

If you exhibit the following symptoms after touching or being near a latex product, you likely have a latex allergy:

• Your eyes itch, turn watery, and look red
• You have difficulty breathing, or you feel pressure or tightness in your chest
• You start to cough
• Your start to sneeze or your nose begins to run
• Your skin swells up in hives or skin rash
• And, most severely: you go into shock

Any, or all, of these symptoms can be uncomfortable or even life threatening. If you find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms soon after coming into contact with rubber, you will need to be careful of this allergy, and take appropriate precautions.

Monitor your children for latex allergies as well, especially if they exhibit any symptoms after handling rubber bands, balloons, or other items.