Question 1

i've been on 20mg/day of prednisone for the past 12 years for a severe latex allergy. can i ever discontinue the use of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Probably not..: Since you have been on it at a significant dosage for so long, your adrenal glands are likely "suppressed", probably permanently by this time. So, my gues is that your chance of going off this medicine totally is rather low. Maybe you can lower the dose, but you should consult your doc. Good luck.

Question 2

what exactly is a latex allergy?

Accepted Answer

Allergy to Latex: Latex allergies are becoming more common. Usually found in healthcare workers who are around latex gloves/materials. Latex is a natural rubber and has excellent properties but unfortunately as a natural product it can produce antigens that we develop allergies to.

Question 3

can a latex allergy be hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Having a high likelyhood of being allergic to different things is hereditary, but the specific thing (allergen) you are allergic to (cats, dogs, latex, penicillin...) is not transmitted.  So, if a family member has latex allergy, you have a higher chance of being allergic in general, but not specifically to latex.

Question 4

how to know if i have a latex allergy?

Accepted Answer

See an allergist: The symptoms of latex allergy can vary considerably from localized rashes to generalized hives and breathing problems. Testing involves blood tests and sometimes patch testing. See an allergist for evaluation and proper management.

Question 5

do people ever outgrow a latex allergy?

Accepted Answer

Latex allergy: Latex allergy tends to be chronic. Over time some people may become less sensitive to latex. In addition the manufacturing processes ffor some latex products has made them less allergenic.

Question 6

it possible that a latex allergy developing after years of wearing gloves?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Certainly so.  An allergic reaction basically requires some variable period of sensitization before an obvious reaction.  And that time period can vary widely.

Question 7

i had a reaction to rubber gloves with no known latex allergy. what could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Chemicals: When a person reacts to latex gloves, if it is not the natural rubber latex then it can be the chemicals (vulcanizers) used during the manufacturing process.  There are many chemicals used and these can be tested for in a patch test commonly done by dermatologist and/or allergists.  The reaction to these chemicals typically manifests as allergic contact dermatitis rather than hives or anaphylaxis.

Question 8

could anybody have an infant if they have a latex allergy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Hospitals and physicians are both aware and ready for this possibility. As long as the personnel you encounter are made aware of your specialized needs, latex free products are available to replace the products that would come in contact with your skills.

Question 9

are polyisoprene surgical gloves safe for me to use if i have a severe latex allergy?

Accepted Answer

Entirely safe: Plastics like polyisoprene and others are unrelated to latex and entirely safe in latex allergy. It's exactly the kind of glove you should be using.

Question 10

how does patch test distinguish between a latex allergy and other possible allergies?

Accepted Answer

Patch Test: Basically it places the skin in contact with multiple different substances each separated in a grid pattern. When one causes a reaction we can differentiate it from the others that did not cause one.

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Doctor answers about:

Latex allergy drugs

A member asked:

I've been on 20mg/day of prednisone for the past 12 years for a severe latex allergy. can i ever discontinue the use of this drug?

A member asked:

What exactly is a latex allergy?

A member asked:

Can a latex allergy be hereditary?

A member asked:

How to know if i have a latex allergy?

A member asked:

Do people ever outgrow a latex allergy?

A member asked:

It possible that a latex allergy developing after years of wearing gloves?

A member asked:

I had a reaction to rubber gloves with no known latex allergy. what could be wrong?

A member asked:

Could anybody have an infant if they have a latex allergy?

A member asked:

Are polyisoprene surgical gloves safe for me to use if i have a severe latex allergy?

A member asked:

How does patch test distinguish between a latex allergy and other possible allergies?

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