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Latex products are made by processing the whitish liquid
extracted from the rubber tree. The proteins in this whitish
fluid are believed to be the main cause of latex allergy –
probably the fatal kind of alergic reaction. However,
certain chemicals that are added while processing such latex
may also cause some reactions to the allergic person.
Latex is used in numerous products in the world like in
medical supplies, baby bottle nipples, balloons, gloves –
surgical or even dish-washing gloves, condoms, diaphragms,
adhesive tapes and rubber bands. Also the powder used in the
latex gloves may become airborne and affect people having
allergy through environment also. Hence it is important to
be aware of latex allergy before using condoms.
Majority of the condoms are made from the latex rubber, so
if the person is alergic to the condom, he is in fact
allergic to the natural rubber or latex. The allergy is more
common in people who come into contact with latex on regular
basis due to working lives like healthcare professionals due
to latex gloves or people working in the latex manufacturing
factories or dealing with latex. Latex allergy is also more
common in people who have undergone many surgical operations
in their lives.
Condom or Latex allergy could often prove to be critically
serious than just rashes. It may cause shortness of
breathing, feeling faint or unconsciousness, and swelling of
the skin shortly after the contact with condom or latex.
Such reaction may turn life threatening is left unattended
properly.
Latex causes three types of reactions: Irritant contact
dermatitis, Allergic contact dermatitis and immediate
hypersensitivity.
Symptoms of condom or latex allergy appear in minutes or
hours of its contact. Reactions include: redness, hives,
swelling, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, difficulty breathing,
coughing and wheezing etc.
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