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Specialist Clinics

Latex allergy

  • Introduction

    This guideline relates to a suspected latex allergy in paediatric patients.

    With the advent of latex free gloves, this is now increasingly uncommon.

    Latex allergies can occur in a number of forms. Some are IgE mediated while others are due to other immune mechanisms. Risk factors for latex allergy include:

    • Repeated surgical procedures
    • Spina bifida
    • VP shunt
    • Repeated catheterisation
    • Repeated latex exposure

    Signs and symptoms include:

    Mild to moderate local allergic reaction

    • Swelling of lips, face or eyes
    • Hives or welts
    • Abdominal pain/ vomiting

    Severe systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Swelling of the tongue and/or throat
    • Difficulty talking
    • Hoarse voice, wheezing or persistent coughing
    • Loss of consciousness and/or collapse
    • Infants and young children appearing pale and floppy

    Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) will typically include multiple organ systems (i.e. hives and respiratory symptoms), but may also involve only one system if affecting respiratory or cardio-vascular system.

    Latex proteins may also be directly inhaled if they are present in powder form (eg gloves), causing upper or lower airway symptoms.

    Products that may contain latex include:

    • Gloves
    • Medical equipment, Bandages, Dressings
    • Balloons
    • Rubber toys, baby dummies
    • Condoms

    Other related issues: Some patients with latex allergy may describe oropharyngeal itching and swelling when eating certain fruits which are mainly banana, avocado, or kiwi fruit as there may be cross reacting IgE antibodies between latex and some other plant allergens. These foods do not need to be avoided, unless there are symptoms.

    When to refer

    • All patients with a suspected latex allergy

    • If patient history is suggestive of allergy, even if RAST is negative
    • For further specialised assessment/ testing if diagnosis is not clear  (i.e. formal challenge)

    Wait time for appointments 

    Specialist Clinics wait times

    Services available closer to home

    Alternative paediatric allergy services that are able to assess for Latex allergy available in Victoria include:

    • Public paediatric allergy services:
      • The Northern Hospital
    • Consider referral to a private allergist as an alternative to RCH. Options available on ASCIA website: Locate a specialist

    Pre-referral work up/management

    History:

    • Type of latex
    • Specific details of nature of reaction, previous or subsequent exposure?
    • History of atopy e.g., eczema or asthma

    Diagnostics:

    • Detection of latex-specific IgE or RAST for Latex if this has been done
    • Interpretation of RAST:
      • Test results should be interpreted together with history
      • RAST has limited sensitivity for latex allergy and may be falsely negative
      • Positive latex-specific IgE (RAST) in the presence of a clear history of allergic reaction confirms clinical allergy

    Referral criteria/required information

    The GP at first consultation is in the best position to get the most comprehensive information from parents on the details of an allergic reaction. Please collect and include in your referral as much detail as possible. Referrals may be rejected if information is insufficient to triage appropriately

    Please include:

    • CLEARLY INDICATE if the child has confirmed or suspected ANAPHYLAXIS. The referral will be triaged as urgent
    • Date reaction(s) occurred
    • Allergic reaction signs/symptoms (see mild, moderate and severe symptoms above)
    • Potential causes of reaction(s) e.g., form of latex?
    • When, where and how did the reaction(s) happen?
    • RAST results if these were done

    • Treatment given and patient response
    • Previous or subsequent exposure to allergen

    How to refer

    Specialist Clinics referral

    Please complete the above and submit via:

    Information for families

    Provide advice on avoidance of latex exposure e.g. dental procedures, condoms, balloons etc

    Provide an ASCIA allergy management plan (even if trigger not yet confirmed)

    Resources and links

    Acknowledgements

    The development of this guideline was coordinated by the Department of Allergy and Immunology (Dr Jo Smart and Dr Paulina Alhucema). Guideline reviewed in February 2025.