Natural rubber latex is derived from a milky substance found in rubber trees and is found in many consumer products such as balloons, hoses, water bottles, swimwear, shoes, and many others. Latex is often found in medical supplies also, such as gloves, syringes, dressings, tape and others items. Although a wonderfully useful compound, some people are extra sensitive to proteins derived from natural rubber latex.

A latex allergy generally develops after repeated exposure to latex-containing products. When latex-containing materials come into contact with skin, membranes in the skin may absorb some of the latex proteins. Those exposures can sometimes trigger an allergic response.

A latex sensitive person may have symptoms such as hives or nasal congestion. However, some individuals with severe allergies may have more dangerous reactions such as a large drop in blood pressure, swelling in the throat, or trouble breathing.

At West 10th Dental Group, we are making every attempt to limit the number of products that we use in the office that contain latex. Please inform us if you have any sensitivity to latex. We will take great care to ensure we avoid aggravating the allergy.

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