Latex is a milky-white sap which drips from the Brazilian rubber tree when the bark is cut.  It is a major ingredient in most rubber products.  Latex rubber allergy is due to residual protein that remains in the product after it is processed.  It is this protein that individuals can become allergic to.  In fact, it is estimated that up to 10% of all health care workers become sensitized to latex.

Reactions that can be due to the latex protein include hives, hayfever-like symptoms, wheezing, and even a life-threatening reaction which includes swelling of the throat and a drop in blood pressure.  Although symptoms usually occur within minutes, a delayed allergy could occur up to one and one-half days after contact,  Usually, delayed reactions are manifested by itchy, red skin and are rarely as serious as reactions that occur within the first several minutes after exposure.  

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