Understanding The Facts About Latex Allergies

Latex clothing is increasingly being worn nowadays because of a sleek, form-fitting style that can make a strong fashion statement. It appeals to your aesthetic bucket or the ability to wear a form-fitting, snug garment that fits the body like a second skin; regardless of the reason for wearing latex, there is no argument that it is a unique experience for the wearer. However, for a few people, donning latex clothing does not come down to acceptance rather, it relates directly to a medical question harmful to their health. Although latex allergies affect only a small amount of the population, medical science warns of the cause of the small number of latex allergy sufferers. If you are new to wearing latex clothing, understanding the facts and risk of latex allergies is consequential.

When you are informed on the facts and risks presented in wearing latex clothing, you can attend to both your wardrobe and your safety. 

Latex Allergies – What Causes Them?

Latex allergies can stem from an allergic reaction to proteins found in a natural rubber latex product. Natural latex catsuit is the material used to make latex clothing. The latex we purchase comes from the sap of a tree that grows in regions near the equator, including Southeast Asia. During the fermentation and creation of latex products, the proteins within that latex may contact the surface of the skin leading to allergic reactions in residents from the United States and some other countries. For many people latex and the proteins it contains are non-harmful and safe. The unfortunate reality is that individuals with latex sensitivity may effective allergic reactions from even the smallest contact with products that contain latex.

Not all latex is the same, specifically latex use in clothing is less likely to cause inflammation in comparison to latex containing products used in gloves, balloons, rubber bands (aka, medical latex). The major difference in latex caused skin allergies lay in the process for manufacturing latex clothing. The natural rubber latex fabric is usually treated in the manufacturing process; a process which drastically reduces the protein indicator of allergic reactions. However, if you have previously been advised to avoid latex, you may want to be mindful when trying and ultimately wearing latex clothing.

Manifestation and Indications of Latex Allergy

Manifestations of latex allergy may vary in severity from mild to severe and may occur immediately following contact or up to hours later. The most common symptoms include:

-Irritation of the Skin: The least severe type of latex allergy often occurs as an irritation of the skin or contact dermatitis. This typically occurs at the site of contact with latex clothing. You will often experience some redness, itching, and rash. In most cases, these signs and symptoms are short-lived as soon as the latex is removed.

-Hives: A more visible reaction suggests an event of welting hives or raised itchy welts on the skin. This reaction would indicate a more considerable allergy or hypersensitivity to latex.

-Respiratory Symptoms: Several individuals will develop difficulty breathing, can wheeze if or develop some asthma-like symptoms when exposed to latex, either through contact or at some point in the process. The respiratory symptoms should certainly be a concern; this would mean a more serious allergy or condition.

-Anaphylaxis: In rare cases, individuals with significant latex allergy would react to latex, which would trigger anapylaxis which is a serious and lif-threatening medical condition. Signs of anaphylaxis can be difficulty breathing and/or severe swelling of the face or throat, increased heart rate, significantly low blood pressure.

If you suspect you have a latex allergy please call and/or see your medical professional for evaluations and/or testing. Do not omit any reactions, especially if they develop into symptoms. In general and for further medical care, always consider it prudent to avoid any contact with latex. 

In what ways you could mitigate the hazards of donning latex attire

If you’re interested in the appeal of latex clothing, but have concerns about the possibility of developing an allergy, not to fret—there are alternatives available to you to enjoy latex fashion while limiting the potential for an allergic reaction.

Purchase Hypoallergenic Latex

Many producers are manufacturing garments using hypoallergenic latex.  Though they are not entirely women.com, they are much less likely to provoke a reaction. Hypoallergenic latex could be a good option if you have mild reactions to latex.

Consider Chlorinated Latex

Chlorinated latex is latex clothing that has been treated with a liquid solution or gas of chlorineized, rendering the surface smoother and decreasing the amount of powder left on the clothing that can cause skin problems. Chlorinated latex is easier to put on and take off and for some individuals could minimize skin reactions. Many latex lovers discover chlorinated garments more comfortable and less irritating to the skin. 

Utilize a Barrier

In cases of mild latex sensitivity, putting a barrier of thin fabric between your skin and the latex garment can greatly decrease the chances of reacting. Some people wear a cotton undergarment or bodysuit under their latex garments.

Test Before You Wear

If you are unsure how your body will respond to latex clothing, it would be smart to do a patch test first. Wear a small item of latex such as a glove or wristband for a few hours. If you start to see any irritation or discomfort, that is a warning sign that you might have a latex sensitivity. If this happens, please do keep in mind that some people experience a response until hours after contact so be aware of any delayed response which some people might experience after contact.

Alternatives to latex Clothing

If you love the look of latex but you know you have a latex allergy then latex-free options are available that might be used for the same look without latex. Some brands actually offer latex-free materials that are able to mimic the look latex such as synthetic rubber or non-allergenic product. It can be a great option for people that want to get the ‘latex shiny high fashion’ look while being 100% latex free. 

Is it possible to develop a latex allergy? 

A common misconception is that individuals are born with a latex allergy; in fact, some individuals may develop latex sensitivities over time, in response to a number of correlating risk factors. Individuals who wear latex frequently could have latex sensitivity develop over time with or without significant skin irritation. If you regularly wear latex clothing shop, and you notice signs of irritation, it is important to take into consideration these early signs of sensitivity to latex. As with multiple allergic responses, repeated exposure to irritating material may increase the body’s sensitivity to the irritant, resulting in more severe allergic or derivation reactions.

If you begin to feel symptoms of allergy, even mild irritation, it is better to discontinue wearing latex. Taking a symptom break is a reasonable step, if symptoms resolved then the symptom may be attributed to the latex material and you avoided a more serious allergic reaction.

Summary 

It is easy to see how eye catching latex clothing is and how it is statement appeal in a wardrobe.  Knowing what an allergic reaction is attributed to, understanding what the symptoms of a latex allergy are, and knowing how to lower the risks are all very important factors in resolving needs for fashion safety.

Hypoallergenic latex, Chlorinated latex clothing, or other clothing materials may aid fashion needs for the latex look without sacrificing safe choices. Listening to your body and consulting trained professionals is always prudent, while enjoying latex’s glamour and appeal will be nothing but fun!