Understanding Latex Allergies and Contact Dermatitis

If you have avoided the dentist due to a fear of an allergic reaction, fear no more. We are here to help you!

A person with a latex allergy or contact dermatitis may be apprehensive about visiting the dentist. They may be understandably concerned about the materials, medications, and chemicals used at the dentist’s office.

At the Dental Anesthesia Center, we can treat patients with different types of allergies. Having a good understanding of what latex allergies and contact dermatitis are can put your mind at ease. If you have avoided the dentist due to a fear of an allergic reaction, fear no more. We are here to help you! We promise to work with you to provide the best dental experience possible!

What is a Latex Allergy?

Latex is a product that is made from rubber trees. Some people have reactions to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex. If you have a latex allergy, then your body thinks that it is a harmful substance.

A latex allergy may happen due to direct contact or by inhalation. Direct contact is the most common. A person reacts when they come into direct contact with latex. However, some have an allergic reaction when breathing in latex particles.

Latex Allergy Symptoms

A latex allergy may cause itchy skin, hives, or a reaction as severe as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the throat to swell, which can be life-threatening because it causes difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Scratchy throat
• Itchy eyes
• Wheezing
• Coughing

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis occurs when chemicals you come into contact with cause a reaction on your skin. Most reactions aren’t severe, but they can be very unpleasant and annoying.

• Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when a person’s skin is exposed to a foreign substance and develops an allergic reaction. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include contact with latex gloves, jewelry made from nickel or gold, perfumes, skincare products, and poison ivy.
• Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a person’s skin comes in contact with a toxic material such as bleach, battery acid, detergents, and cleaning agents. People with highly sensitive skin may experience allergies when contacting less irritating materials like soap or even water.

Who Are at Risk?

Some people run a higher risk of developing an allergy to latex. People with spina bifida should always avoid latex products. In addition, people who have undergone multiple medical procedures or surgeries are at risk of developing a latex allergy due to repeated exposure. Health care workers are at risk for the same reason.

Schedule Your First Appointment

Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we’ve been working with sedation and sleep dentistry for over 25 years. Our dentists specialize in several different kinds of dentistry, including geriatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and much, much more.

We can treat patients with latex allergies and contact dermatitis in the St. Louis area. If you have avoided the dentist due to a fear of an allergic reaction, fear no more. Contact us and set up your first appointment. We promise to work with you to provide the best dental experience possible!