Durex Ultimate Latex Free Condoms, Pack of 12

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In most cases, there are alternative products you can use. Latex balloons are banned at GOSH, but foil balloons are fine for a child with latex allergy. All wards and departments at GOSH now use latex-free gloves. Latex-free condoms are widely available in most chemists. Once the diagnosis of allergy to natural rubber latex has been confirmed avoidance is the key to preventing exposure and further reactions. Letting other people know you have a latex allergy is important, including your employer, if you are at risk, through your job, of exposure to latex. You should also tell any Healthcare/ beauty/hairdressing provider that they will need to avoid latex gloves and equipment containing latex. If you have been prescribed allergy medication it is important that you can recognise allergy signs and symptoms and know how and when to use your medication and/or adrenaline auto injector device. If you do need to use emergency allergy medication (your adrenaline auto injector) then an ambulance should be called immediately to ensure that skilled medical help and access to any further medication is on its way. The evidence and conclusions from the NHS Plus Occupational Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit report provide reassurance that: The female condom is made from polyurethane and is safe for you to use. A variety of non rubber (latex free) condoms are available and should be available from a pharmacy.

NRL proteins can cause type I (immediate) hypersensitivity. In addition, the products manufactured using NRL proteins contain other chemicals that can cause irritant reactions and/or type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity reactions. Typical skin and respiratory problems associated with the use of NRL single-use gloves are: This section provides useful links to sources of guidance, research and information on the management of dermatitis in the health and social care sector. The use of powder-free, low-protein latex gloves as an alternative to powdered latex gloves significantly reduces the incidence of latex allergy and latex-induced asthma, as well as the prevalence of latex-related symptoms. Powdered latex gloves should therefore not be used in the workplace If you are highly allergic to latex, it may be worth carrying a set of sterile latex-free gloves, especially if you are travelling away from home. Hospitals and doctors in the UK are becoming more aware of latex allergy, but unfortunately the same may not be true of healthcare abroad. Natural rubber latex proteins have the potential to cause asthma and dermatitis. Although rare, more serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis are also possible. The amount of latex exposure needed to induce sensitisation is unknown. A substance which causes sensitisation can also cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Once sensitisation has taken place, further exposure to the substance, even to low levels, may cause a reaction. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of inducing a sensitised state and triggering allergic symptoms.Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a milky fluid obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is widely grown in south-east Asia. As with many other natural products, NRL contains proteins to which some individuals may develop an allergy. At a national and local level, a policy that encourages switching from powdered latex gloves to powder-free, low-protein latex gloves is a proven effective method of reducing the incidence of latex allergy Breathing problems such as cough, wheeze or difficulty in breathing as a result of breathing in latex protein that becomes airborne (from balloons and rubber gloves)

the health of individuals with existing latex allergy is not put at significant risk if colleagues use either low protein, powder free latex gloves or latex-free gloves. An exception might be if the affected employee has anaphylaxis. However, in all cases where employees have work-related medical conditions, competent medical advice should have been sought As the use of such products has increased, particularly of single-use latex gloves in infection control, NRL allergy and sensitisation has been identified as a problem. What is the problem?

See also

In 2008, the NHS Plus Occupational Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit, in association with the Royal College of Physicians, produced evidence based guidelines for the occupational aspects of latex allergy management.