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Latex Allergy and Non-Contrast Reactions
A rash a day or two after contact is delayed contact allergy. Hives or wheezing within minutes is type I allergy and can become anaphylaxis.
Three reactions
Natural rubber latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree, and it causes three kinds of skin or body reactions. Irritant contact dermatitis is not an allergy. It is dry, cracked, itchy skin where gloves rub, caused by sweat, frequent washing and glove powder. Allergic contact dermatitis is a type IV, delayed reaction. T cells react to chemicals added during manufacturing, and a red, itchy, sometimes blistering rash appears at the contact site about 24 to 48 hours later. Type I is the immediate, IgE-mediated allergy to latex proteins. Within minutes it brings hives, itching, a runny nose, wheezing, throat tightness or falling blood pressure. Only type I can cause anaphylaxis.