Over the last two years, latex allergy has been observed in certain children. In March 1991, the Food and Drug Administration issued a medical alert to health care professionals, advising them to identify latex sensitive patients. We want to alert patients to the risks of latex allergy.

What Is Latex?

Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree. It is an ingredient of rubber products. Some rubber products are made only from latex, while others only use latex as part of the product.

Who Is At Risk?

• People with spina bifida.


• Some people with genito-urinary birth defects.


• People on a daily intermittent catheterization program, using latex catheters.


• People on a daily bowel program, using latex / rubber gloves.


• Anyone who has had a previous reaction to balloons, paper tape, koosh balls, and other toys made with rubber.


• Anyone with repeated exposure to latex products.

All children or patients at risk, who have not had a known latex reaction should avoid the following items: rubber gloves, rubber catheters, rubber respiratory equipment (i.e. masks) and rubber tourniquets.

Because there is a risk of developing a reaction in the future, it is important to notify all physicians, dentists, anesthesiologists and health care workers immediately upon admission to the hospital or clinic areas, that your child may be at risk.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Reaction?

• Skin rash


• Itching


• Hives, welts, swelling or redness anywhere on the body


• Difficulty breathing


• Eye tearing or irritation


• Chest pains or chest tightness


• Throat tightness


• Eye tearing or irritation


• Sneezing or coughing


• Wheezing


• Fainting / Unconsciousness

What To Do In The Case of An Allergic Reaction?

• Remove the object causing the allergic reaction.


• Rinse the areas of skin exposed to latex with large amounts of water.


• If your child has difficulty breathing, or experiences chest pain/tightness, call for emergency help immediately (call 911 or the number of your local fire department).


• Alert your medical caregivers of the incident as soon as possible.


• Obtain a Medic Alert bracelet.

If your child has a known history of reactions to latex, all latex products need to be avoided including non-medical equipment (i.e. rubber balloons, koosh balls, etc.).

Some Product With Latex Components

• Rubber gloves


• Rubber balloons


• Condoms


• Rubber finger cots


• Urinary catheters made of rubber (red rubber catheters)


• Rectal catheters made of rubber


• Elastic bandages


• Paper tape


• Rubber bands


• Tourniquets (used to draw blood)


• Rubber balls or toys (koosh ball)


• Trimar masks, nasal trumpets


• Dental dams


• Latex nipples

We recognize that the above list of latex products is incomplete. We recommend that you individually screen each product by reading the label to determine if it contains latex.

Products that Can Be Used Instead of Latex Products

• Vinyl gloves


• Silk tape


• Plastic balls and toys


• Mylar balloons


• Plastic, vinyl, and silicone catheters

If you believe your child has had any allergic reactions, consult your clinic nurse or physician. Medic Alert bracelet order forms can be obtained form the CHOC Hospital Outpatient Clinic or most drug stores. The bracelet should read “ALLERGIC TO LATEX.”