Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsLatex ProductsLatex-Fruit ReactionFood ListDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Latex Products
Latex-Fruit Reaction
Food List
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
For some people with alatex allergy, foods like avocado, bananas, andkiwican also cause an allergic reaction known as latex-fruit syndrome.
Natural latex is a milky sap from theHevea brasiliensisrubber tree used to make balloons, condoms, mattresses, and many medical and dental products. Latex allergies can cause symptoms that range from a mild rash or stuffy nose to life-threateninganaphylaxis.
Many foods contain proteins similar to those in natural latex. An estimated 30% to 50% of people with latex allergies have a cross-reaction to foods with these proteins.
This article explains why this cross-reactivity happens and how to identify latex allergy foods. It also lists some foods and latex products that some people with latex allergic reactions also have to avoid.
Elizabeth Fernandez / Getty Images
Latex Allergy Reaction Signs and Symptoms
An allergic reaction to latex can range from a reasonably mild, itchy rash on the skin to the severe and systemic effects of a potentially fatalanaphylactic shock. The reaction can happen immediately, or for certain skin reactions, you may experience adelayed responseof up to 48 hours.
There are two types of latex allergies: A classic allergy is a full-body immune system response. The other only affects the skin (contact dermatitis).
Overview of Adhesive Allergy
Classic Latex Allergy
Classic latex allergy symptoms include:
In some cases, a life-threatening reaction calledanaphylaxiscan occur. This causes severe breathing difficulty and a drop in blood pressure (shock).
If you or someone you know is having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes in contact with latex. Dermatitis—which literally means inflamed skin—can cause skin symptoms, including:
Contact dermatitis with latex comes in two different types:
Many people who develop classic latex allergies first experience contact dermatitis reactions. People with contact dermatitis from latex should try to avoid latex.
Polyisoprene Condoms for People With Latex Allergies
List of Common Products That Contain Latex
Latex is used to make many products, such as foam rubber pillows or your mattress. It can be found in some surprising places, including:
An Overview of Latex Allergy
What Is a Latex-Fruit Reaction?
Natural rubber latex contains proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. Some food contains similar proteins and can cause what is known as latex-fruit reactions.
As the name suggests, a latex-fruit reaction can occur with certain fruits and vegetables with seeds. Animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs) will not cause this reaction and are generally safe for people with latex allergies.
Latex-fruit reactions can be as severe as a classic latex allergy and may causeanaphylaxis. It can also produce mild symptoms, similar tooral allergy syndrome, and includes:
Can You Eat Any Fruit With Latex-Fruit Syndrome?Possibly, but much about latex allergy remains unknown. Cross-reactivity often occurs within a “family” of foods. If you have a reaction to apples, you may also react to other members of the Rosacaean fruit family, like peaches, apricots, plums, orcherries.Ask your healthcare provider about which foods you need to avoid. Many patients can tolerate foods in the same family, and your history will help guide your allergist in making recommendations.
Can You Eat Any Fruit With Latex-Fruit Syndrome?
Possibly, but much about latex allergy remains unknown. Cross-reactivity often occurs within a “family” of foods. If you have a reaction to apples, you may also react to other members of the Rosacaean fruit family, like peaches, apricots, plums, orcherries.Ask your healthcare provider about which foods you need to avoid. Many patients can tolerate foods in the same family, and your history will help guide your allergist in making recommendations.
List of Latex Allergy Foods
Food and latex cross-reactions only occur with plant-based foods.Some foods pose a higher risk for a latex-fruit reaction. This list is not exhaustive, and more research is needed to determine what other foods may also cross-react with latex.
High-Risk Foods
A few foods are more likely to contain proteins that can cause latex-fruit syndrome. About half of all people with a life-threatening latex allergy may develop related symptoms if they eat:
Moderate-Risk Foods
Other foods contain moderate levels of the protein that triggers latex allergy symptoms. These include:
Low-Risk Foods
Many fruits and vegetables contain low or unknown levels of latex proteins and are considered low-risk for people with latex allergies. These include:
However, it is essential to note that some foods with a low or unknown risk of latex cross-reaction can still cause severe problems for some people.
For example, jackfruit—a tropical fruit used as a meat substitute in vegetarian diets—has been linked to a few reports of anaphylaxis in people with latex allergies. Though rare, people with a known latex allergy may want to use caution with jackfruit, particularly if they have never tried it before.
Is Restaurant Dining Safe for People With Latex Food Reactions?Dining out with a latex food allergy is possible but requires care. Food workers often wear gloves, which may introduce latex. Latex also may be airborne or may be present in materials used in the environment. Try a food allergy app, or check first with the restaurant; many chain restaurants provide latex allergy information.
Is Restaurant Dining Safe for People With Latex Food Reactions?
Dining out with a latex food allergy is possible but requires care. Food workers often wear gloves, which may introduce latex. Latex also may be airborne or may be present in materials used in the environment. Try a food allergy app, or check first with the restaurant; many chain restaurants provide latex allergy information.
How Are Food and Latex Allergies Diagnosed?
Blood tests are available for both food allergies and latex allergies. Skin tests are also available for food allergens but are not available for latex in the United States.
Blood Testing
This type of testing measures the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood that are produced to attack the allergen being tested. To measure the antibodies, a healthcare professional will need to collect a sample of blood from your vein and send it to a laboratory.A positive result is usually a sign of an allergy, but it’s not uncommon to get false-positive results.
Skin Testing
Thescratch test,also called a skin prick or puncture test, uses needles to introduce a small number of potential allergens just below the skin’s surface. Reactions commonly appear within 15 minutes, though your healthcare provider may keep you for observation for up to an hour.
Between 30% and 50% of people with latex allergies also test positive for a food allergy.However, a positive skin test does not necessarily mean you will have a reaction if you eat the food.If you have a known latex allergy, it is important your healthcare provider or allergist evaluates you for the possibility of a food allergy. In many cases, they will only need to take a history. In some cases, testing may be necessary. They also may want to rule out other possible conditions responsible for your symptoms, such asasthma.
Between 30% and 50% of people with latex allergies also test positive for a food allergy.However, a positive skin test does not necessarily mean you will have a reaction if you eat the food.
If you have a known latex allergy, it is important your healthcare provider or allergist evaluates you for the possibility of a food allergy. In many cases, they will only need to take a history. In some cases, testing may be necessary. They also may want to rule out other possible conditions responsible for your symptoms, such asasthma.
Who Is at Risk for Latex Allergies?
Anyone can develop a latex allergy, but some people are at higher risk. Latex allergies are more common in people with the following medical conditions:
It is also more common in people with multiple birth defects, anorectal or urogenital abnormalities, or a tracheoesophageal fistula.
The precise link between medical conditions and latex allergies is unclear. It could be due to an unidentified disease process or frequent latex exposure during multiple surgeries associated with the conditions.
How Are Food and Latex Allergies Treated?
There is no known cure for a latex allergy. Avoiding all latex is key. Due to the potential for severe food allergy symptoms as well, it’s important to identify and avoid the fruits or other foods that cause your cross-reactivity.
Other recommendations for people who have or are at high risk for latex and food allergies include:
Keeping Children with Latex Food Allergies SafeAbout 10% of people with a fruit allergy are also cross-reactive to latex.If that’s the case for your child, you’ll want to know more about other sources of latex they may encounter, like the glue on envelopes or the chairs they sit in. Latex-free school products and sports equipment are available. Ensure you and your pediatrician share age-appropriate information about latex allergy and latex products with your child.
Keeping Children with Latex Food Allergies Safe
About 10% of people with a fruit allergy are also cross-reactive to latex.If that’s the case for your child, you’ll want to know more about other sources of latex they may encounter, like the glue on envelopes or the chairs they sit in. Latex-free school products and sports equipment are available. Ensure you and your pediatrician share age-appropriate information about latex allergy and latex products with your child.
How to Safely Use an EpiPen
Preventing Allergic Reactions
If you have a known allergy to latex or foods, the best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the allergen. In the case of latex allergies:
If your latex allergy puts you at risk for anaphylaxis, also take these steps:
Summary
People who have latex allergies often have a food allergy, typically to fruits that have proteins similar to those found in natural rubber latex. This cross-reactivity means they may have to avoid certain foods and latex products.
Avocado, banana, and kiwi are common fruits that can trigger this response. There are many other latex food allergies, so it’s essential to identify what’s causing the allergy. Your healthcare provider or allergy specialist can help you understand your diagnosis and its treatment.
Sometimes, a latex food allergy can cause a life-threatening anaphylactic response. Seek medical care immediately if latex or a related fruit allergy causes sudden and severe symptoms.
13 Pictures of Common Skin Rashes
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex Allergy: Current Status and Future Perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020;13:385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Latex allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Latex allergy.Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex Allergy.University of Nebraska Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.Allergenic Foods and Their Allergens.Chełmińska M, Specjalski K, Różyło A, Kołakowska A, Jassem E.Differentiating of cross-reactions in patients with latex allergy with the use of ISAC test.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):120–127. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59154Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex allergy and foods.Jalil M, Hostoffer R, Wu SS.Jackfruit anaphylaxis in a latex allergic non-healthcare worker.Allergy Rhinol(Providence). 2021;12:21526567211009195. doi:10.1177/21526567211009195MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Viscido A, Ginaldi L.Food allergy insights: a changing landscape.Arch Immunol Ther Exp. 2020;68(2):8. doi:10.1007/s00005-020-00574-6Parisi CAS, Kelly KJ, Ansotegui IJ, et al.Update on latex allergy: New insights into an old problem.World Allergy Organ J. 2021;14(8):100569. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100569Meneses V, Parenti S, Burns H, Adams R. Latex allergy guidelines for people with spina bifida.J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2020;13(4):601-609. doi:10.3233/PRM-200741Additional ReadingNguyen K, Kohli A.Latex allergy. [Updated 2019 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex Allergy: Current Status and Future Perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020;13:385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Latex allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Latex allergy.Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex Allergy.University of Nebraska Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.Allergenic Foods and Their Allergens.Chełmińska M, Specjalski K, Różyło A, Kołakowska A, Jassem E.Differentiating of cross-reactions in patients with latex allergy with the use of ISAC test.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):120–127. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59154Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex allergy and foods.Jalil M, Hostoffer R, Wu SS.Jackfruit anaphylaxis in a latex allergic non-healthcare worker.Allergy Rhinol(Providence). 2021;12:21526567211009195. doi:10.1177/21526567211009195MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Viscido A, Ginaldi L.Food allergy insights: a changing landscape.Arch Immunol Ther Exp. 2020;68(2):8. doi:10.1007/s00005-020-00574-6Parisi CAS, Kelly KJ, Ansotegui IJ, et al.Update on latex allergy: New insights into an old problem.World Allergy Organ J. 2021;14(8):100569. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100569Meneses V, Parenti S, Burns H, Adams R. Latex allergy guidelines for people with spina bifida.J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2020;13(4):601-609. doi:10.3233/PRM-200741Additional ReadingNguyen K, Kohli A.Latex allergy. [Updated 2019 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex Allergy: Current Status and Future Perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020;13:385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Latex allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Latex allergy.Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex Allergy.University of Nebraska Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.Allergenic Foods and Their Allergens.Chełmińska M, Specjalski K, Różyło A, Kołakowska A, Jassem E.Differentiating of cross-reactions in patients with latex allergy with the use of ISAC test.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):120–127. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59154Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex allergy and foods.Jalil M, Hostoffer R, Wu SS.Jackfruit anaphylaxis in a latex allergic non-healthcare worker.Allergy Rhinol(Providence). 2021;12:21526567211009195. doi:10.1177/21526567211009195MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Viscido A, Ginaldi L.Food allergy insights: a changing landscape.Arch Immunol Ther Exp. 2020;68(2):8. doi:10.1007/s00005-020-00574-6Parisi CAS, Kelly KJ, Ansotegui IJ, et al.Update on latex allergy: New insights into an old problem.World Allergy Organ J. 2021;14(8):100569. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100569Meneses V, Parenti S, Burns H, Adams R. Latex allergy guidelines for people with spina bifida.J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2020;13(4):601-609. doi:10.3233/PRM-200741
Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex Allergy: Current Status and Future Perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020;13:385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Latex allergy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Latex allergy.
Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex Allergy.
University of Nebraska Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.Allergenic Foods and Their Allergens.
Chełmińska M, Specjalski K, Różyło A, Kołakowska A, Jassem E.Differentiating of cross-reactions in patients with latex allergy with the use of ISAC test.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):120–127. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59154
Allergy & Asthma Network.Latex allergy and foods.
Jalil M, Hostoffer R, Wu SS.Jackfruit anaphylaxis in a latex allergic non-healthcare worker.Allergy Rhinol(Providence). 2021;12:21526567211009195. doi:10.1177/21526567211009195
MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.
Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141
De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Viscido A, Ginaldi L.Food allergy insights: a changing landscape.Arch Immunol Ther Exp. 2020;68(2):8. doi:10.1007/s00005-020-00574-6
Parisi CAS, Kelly KJ, Ansotegui IJ, et al.Update on latex allergy: New insights into an old problem.World Allergy Organ J. 2021;14(8):100569. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100569
Meneses V, Parenti S, Burns H, Adams R. Latex allergy guidelines for people with spina bifida.J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2020;13(4):601-609. doi:10.3233/PRM-200741
Nguyen K, Kohli A.Latex allergy. [Updated 2019 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
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