Second Location: Beginning in August 2026, we will see patients on Tuesdays at our new location: 8888 Ladue Road, Suite 105, St. Louis. Our primary location at 4800 Mexico Rd in St. Peters will be closed on Tuesdays. We look forward to welcoming you to our new space!

Live Comfortably With Latex Allergies!

Latex Allergy Testing & Treatment in St. Louis

Get personalized latex allergy testing and treatment from Dr. Sonia Cajigal, a latex allergy specialist that has helped countless patients navigate latex allergies in the greater St. Louis area. Learn about what causes latex allergies, risk factors, and lists of items and food that contain latex. Schedule your visit today if you have latex allergy symptoms!

“Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma.”

– Sue D, July 2020

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Latex Allergy Doctor Sonia Cajigal of St. Louis Family Allergy in St. Louis, Missouri
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About Latex Allergy

What Causes Latex Allergy
Latex Allergy Symptoms
Latex Allergy Testing
Latex Allergy Treatment

What Causes Latex Allergy?

Latex allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex. Latex is produced from the sap of rubber trees and is used in a variety of medical, household, and personal products. In most cases, latex allergy develops after repeated exposure to latex-containing products. Symptoms may occur after latex touches the skin, comes into contact with mucous membranes, or is inhaled as airborne latex particles released by certain powdered latex products. Natural rubber latex should not be confused with synthetic latex. Synthetic rubber, vinyl, nitrile, and synthetic latex products do not contain the same natural rubber latex proteins known to cause allergic reactions, though some people may still react to chemical additives or irritants in rubber-like products.

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Latex glove on hand causing latex allergy

Risk Factors For Latex Allergy

Not everyone that comes into contact with latex develops a latex allergy. Risk factors can include:
  • Spina bifida
  • Undergoing multiple surgeries
  • Frequent exposure to latex gloves
  • Healthcare workers
  • Rubber industry workers
  • History of other allergies
People who need frequent medical procedures, catheterization, dental care, or wound care may also have repeated latex exposure.

Latex Allergy List

If you have latex allergy, it is important that you avoid latex-containing products. While it’s not possible to list every item that may contain latex, the list below can serve as a general guide. Common latex products include:
  • Household gloves
  • Balloons
  • Erasers
  • Clothing with elastic
  • Rubber balls
  • Bandages
  • Foam mattresses and pillows
  • Rubber bands
  • Condoms and diaphragms
  • Medical gloves
  • Certain dental products
  • Catheters
  • Medical tape, dental dams, or wound-care products
Latex glove allergy often causes symptoms on the hands, including itching, redness, swelling, hives, or rash after wearing latex gloves. A mild latex glove allergy may look like localized irritation, but repeated exposure can worsen symptoms in some patients. Latex condoms can also trigger symptoms in people with latex allergy. Latex condom allergy symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, swelling, rash, hives, or irritation after condom use. Some people may also react to lubricants, spermicides, fragrances, or other condom ingredients, so symptoms do not always mean latex is the only cause.

Latex Allergy Food List

Individuals with latex allergy can sometimes have reactions to certain fruits and vegetables that contain proteins that are structured similarly to latex. These foods are called latex cross-reactive foods. Latex cross-reactive food allergies occur in roughly 30-50% of people with latex allergy. These allergic reactions can occur after eating, touching, or smelling cross-reactive foods.

Foods that are associated with a latex allergy include:
  • Banana
  • Chestnut
  • Avocado
  • Kiwi
Foods that are moderately associated with a latex allergy include:
  • Apple
  • Tomato
  • Potato
  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Melons
  • Papaya

Several other foods have low or undetermined cross-reactivity with latex, including many common fruits, vegetables, shellfish, nuts, and seeds not listed above.

Not everyone with latex allergy needs to avoid all latex cross-reactive foods. A latex allergy food list can help identify possible triggers, but avoidance should be based on your symptoms and your allergist’s guidance.

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in St. Louis, Missouri

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Woman reacting to latex allergy rash on hand

Latex Allergy Symptoms

Because latex allergy can be triggered by inhalation or direct contact, symptoms can affect the skin or the respiratory system. Common latex allergy symptoms include:
  • Itching
  • Skin redness
  • Hives or rash
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Wheezing
  • Cough
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Difficulty breathing
Latex allergy is often discovered in specific situations. Common latex exposure scenarios include:
  • Itchy, red, or swollen skin after using a bandage and/or latex gloves
  • Swelling or itching of the mouth or tongue after a dentist uses latex gloves
  • Itching or swelling after vaginal or rectal exams
  • Itching or swelling after using a condom or diaphragm
  • Itchy or swollen lips after blowing up a balloon
When your latex allergy is especially severe, it’s possible to experience anaphylaxis upon exposure. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that’s characterized by difficult breathing, hives or swelling, nausea and vomiting, wheezing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness, confusion, and/or rapid or weak pulse. If you’re experiencing a severe allergic reaction, you should go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Latex Allergy Tests

The first step to overcoming a latex allergy is to receive a proper diagnosis from a specialist. Dr. Cajigal will help you identify exactly what you’re allergic to using your medical history and a combination of the latex allergy tests outlined below.

Skin Testing For Latex Allergy

Dr. Cajigal may suggest a skin-prick test, where small volumes of latex allergens (and controls) are placed on your skin and pricked with a sterile needle. After 20 minutes, the skin is re-examined for any bumps indicating an allergic reaction.

Blood Testing For Latex Allergy

A blood test can measure the amount of antibody circulating in the blood in reaction to latex. This confirmatory test is often used to rule out a suspected allergen if skin testing shows no response.

Can You Test for Latex Allergy at Home?

There is no reliable way to confirm a latex allergy at home. Tracking symptoms, exposures, and timing can help your allergist identify patterns, but latex allergy testing should be performed by a medical professional. Do not intentionally expose yourself to latex to “test” a reaction, especially if you have had wheezing, throat tightness, facial swelling, widespread hives, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

See a Latex Allergy Specialist

in St. Louis, Missouri

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Girl using EpiPen to treat severe latex allergy reaction

Latex Allergy Treatment

There is no cure for latex allergy, so treatment focuses on preventing exposure and being prepared to manage symptoms if a reaction occurs.

If you have a latex allergy, avoid products that may contain natural rubber latex and let your healthcare providers know about your allergy before medical, dental, surgical, or imaging appointments. Latex-free supplies can often be used when your care team is aware in advance.

Latex-free alternatives can also reduce everyday exposure. Non-latex gloves, such as vinyl or nitrile gloves, should be used at home and in healthcare settings. If you or your partner has a latex allergy, synthetic rubber or other non-latex condoms should be used instead of latex condoms.

For mild latex allergy reactions, antihistamines may help relieve itching, hives, runny nose, or other minor symptoms. Patients with a history of severe latex allergy reactions may need to carry injectable epinephrine and follow an emergency action plan developed with their allergist.

Avoidance remains the most important long-term treatment. Dr. Cajigal can help you identify latex-containing products, choose latex-free alternatives, understand whether any latex-related foods may be contributing to symptoms, and create a plan for accidental exposures.

References

[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: https://acaai.org/ [2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
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Visit Allergist Dr. Sonia Cajigal of St. Louis Family Allergy in St. Louis, Missouri

Latex Allergy Specialist Dr. Sonia Cajigal

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St. Louis Family Allergy Google review score badge
"Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma."

- Sue D, July 2020

“Dr Cajigal is a great listener. She trusts her patients instead of treating them as if they are not the experts of their own bodies. I really appreciate that (many doctors do not have that quality). She also immediately treats the symptoms instead of waiting to see if things clear. I use her for my children and myself. We have never left her office feeling as if it was a waste of time.”

– Stephanie, August 2020

"Great Allergist!"

- Ann H, December 2018

"She is the best."

- Stephen W, June 2020

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