Prevention

Many common products contain latex, but you can usually find a suitable option. Prevent an allergic reaction to latex by avoiding these products:

• Dishwashing gloves
• Some types of carpeting
• Balloons
• Rubber toys
• Hot water bottles
• Baby bottle nipples
• Some disposable diapers
• Rubber bands
• Erasers
• Condoms
• Diaphragms
• Swim goggles
• Racket handles
• Motorcycle and bicycle handgrips
• Blood pressure cuffs
• Stethoscopes
• Intravenous tubing
• Syringes
• Respirators
• Electrode pads
• Surgical masks
• Dental dams

Many health care facilities use nonlatex gloves. However, because other medical products may contain latex or rubber, be sure to tell doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care workers about your allergy before all exams or procedures. Wearing a medical alert bracelet can inform others of your latex allergy.