How can you tell if you are allergic to latex?

[lilminx]

I think that there's a possibilty that I might be. Is anyone here allergic to latex? What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

 

[Nora]

I'm sure it's different for everyone, but I usually get a slight rash that looks sort of like a prickly or heat rash in the area that's sustained prolonged contact with the latex.

Yeah, it's not fun.

 

[capricious_chic]

Allergy to latex proteins is a new medical problem with symptoms similar to those seen in individuals who are allergic to bee venom or cat dander. Reactions on exposure to the allergen are generally acute and may mimic hay fever or asthma, with symptoms such as nasal congestion, hives or difficulty breathing. The most severe cases can result in anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction that affects many parts of the body at once. Symptoms are usually immediate, progress rapidly and may include a dangerous drop in blood pressure, flushed skin, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue and nose, and loss of consciousness. Emergency medical attention should be sought at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction.

Skin problems resulting from the use of latex and non-latex gloves (or condoms) are frequently confused with latex allergy. Contact dermatitis is a frequent problem in glove wearers which can be due to an irritant contact dermatitis caused by frequent hand-washing and drying with irritating soaps, skin abrasions from donning and removing gloves and maceration of skin covered by an impermeable barrier. It can also be due to a "chemical sensitivity" dermatitis caused by a contact allergy to one of the chemicals used in the production of rubber gloves. These local skin problems are virtually never a result of true latex allergy.

 

[bknight2602]

Nora's right, and if you continue to waer the latex, the rash gets much worse!

 

[RastaPope]

In Soviet Russia, latex is allergic to you!

 

[lilminx]

Thanks for the info. When I worked in a deli and wore gloves, my fingers would get all peely and stuff- could that mean that I'm allergic?

Also, I ummm, seem to have a problem with condoms...

 

[Nora]

The problem with the gloves could just be that your hands were getting damp inside them and getting sorta "pruney" which makes the skin split. It's like soaking raisins, for lack of a better analogy. They get too swollen and the outer layers of the skin split. A cure for that is to put baby powder inside the gloves and to "air out" your hands as much as possible.

Mine's the condoms. Rash all along the thighs and uh..ya know. Ouchies. I don't know of a cure once it's there other than to just take oatmeal baths and whimper a lot.

I figure the bi-annual sex (for me, at least) is worth it.

For you, look into spending some cash on non-latex condoms, but do some research cuz not all of them protect from transmittal of STDs.

 

[capricious_chic]

If you are truly concerned there is a simple blood test that can be done. A Latex IGE would tell you for sure one way or the other.

If wearing latex condoms, or being the recepient of a mate that is, try switching to polyurethane condoms.

 

[islandman]

Thanks for the info. When I worked in a deli and wore gloves, my fingers would get all peely and stuff- could that mean that I'm allergic?

Also, I ummm, seem to have a problem with condoms...

Latex gloves did that too me too. But it wasn't the latex itself. Rather, it was the powder the manufacturer lined them with to make putting them on and taking them off easier.

As for condoms, well, you're on your own there.

 

[lilminx]

If you are truly concerned there is a simple blood test that can be done. A Latex IGE would tell you for sure one way or the other.

If wearing latex condoms, or being the recepient of a mate that is, try switching to polyurethane condoms.

I don't think polyurethane prevent STDs.

 

[plasticman33]

I don't think polyurethane prevent STDs.

How about Ziplock baggies??

 

[capricious_chic]

Polyurethane condoms have a higher fail rate than latex. Something like 8.9 %.

But in the case of a true allergy, it is the only feasible alternative.

 

[lilminx]

Lol- hmm... I don't think that would feel too good for either participants.

 

[Ljbonobo]

Actually a person I knew at college got drunk one night and actually tried a baggie instead of a condom. Lets just say from what I heard that not only was he shall we say "rubbed raw" from the zip section but the corners evidently did quite a number on his lady friend as well. I'd advise against it.

 

[Nora]

Actually a person I knew at college got drunk one night and actually tried a baggie instead of a condom. Lets just say from what I heard that not only was he shall we say "rubbed raw" from the zip section but the corners evidently did quite a number on his lady friend as well. I'd advise against it.

Ok, ouch.

Hey Minxy? how about double-bagging? Latex underneath and polyeurethane on top? Might give him a millimeter more girth, too! *grins*

 

[lilminx]

Ok, ouch.

Hey Minxy? how about double-bagging? Latex underneath and polyeurethane on top? Might give him a millimeter more girth, too! *grins*

Lol- he doesn't need more girth, and that may have been part of the problem. It seemed that no matter how much lube was used, I was sore. This isn't the first time it's happened to me (with other people).

I don't know how happy he'd be with two condoms on; even less feeling.

 

[Nora]

I don't know how happy he'd be with two condoms on; even less feeling.

And? Your point?

 

[CarnalGerund]

I actually think that double bagging is unsafe as well

You'd probably be better off with the polyurethane.

And what kind of girth are we talking about here?

 

[Orlanth]

I'm only alergic to adesives. So i don't know about latex, buti say it sucks!

 

[peachykeen]

minx, are they the spermacidally lubed condoms? cuz maybe it's the lube, not the latex. I know I can't have that nonoxyl-9 stuff anywhere near my more delicate tissues...

 

[lilminx]

Peachy, they're jsut regularly lubed condoms- I stopped using spermicide long ago because I think that irritates me too.

 

[CarnalGerund]

Depending on how well you know this guy

Have you explored other birth control options?

 

[ShamelessFlirt]

There's a brand called "Natural lamb" you can try. But as was mentioned, it's not as effective against STDs

 

[lilminx]

Re: Depending on how well you know this guy

Have you explored other birth control options?

I'm on the pill, but I use condoms too.

 

[CarnalGerund]

If you can be sure he's monogamous

Would you consider getting tested and then going without? I personally would think really hard before doing something like that, and I wouldn't do it until I get an answer on the latex thing. But it's an option.

I have to say that my guess would be that if you've never had a bad reaction to condoms before, it's probably his girth. He might be stretching you to the point that he's creating friction against parts of your skin that have never been rubbed that way or with that intensity before.