Latex Allergies

Latex is a rubber, and many people are severely allergic to it. Latex is found in many different products. For example, latex can be found in balloons, toys, rubber bands, shoe laces and condoms. Most importantly latex can be found in medical and dental products like stethoscopes, catheters and gloves. An individual who is allergic to latex and comes in contact with it can result is serious injury.

Allergy to latex comes in two different forms. One form is called a “delayed hypersensitivity,” which is usually seen as an itchy skin rash at the site where the latex product contacts the skin. This rash is similar to poison ivy and is generally self-limited. The other form is an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to latex. This type of reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can involve the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and cardiovascular system, eventually resulting in death.

Letting Your Provider Know About Latex Allergies

When you visit your dentist it is imperative that the dental office know of your latex allergy. The health questionnaire form dental offices request their patients fill out should include a question whether a patient has a latex allergy. Before examining and treating a patient, the dentist and his staff must confirm there is no latex allergy.

If the patient has a latex allergy, the patient then needs to be provided with a latex free environment. No products that contain and/or are stored with latex should be used. The dentist and his staff must make sure they are wearing non-latex gloves. If the dentist does not follow this protocol the latex allergy patient can be severely injured.

If you’ve been to the dentist and suffered a latex allergy and were severely injured, you need to call Brendan F. Mulligan, D.M.D., Esquire, the dental malpractice attorney.