Latex isn’t usually harmful but if your child has a latex allergy they may react to it.
What is latex?
Latex comes from plants and is in many items children use, like underwear, baby bottle teats, toys and shoes. These plants can also cause allergies, for example the rubber tree, mulberry, poinsettia, hemp and oleander.
Medical supplies like gloves, syringes, stethoscopes, tubes and bandages can also contain latex.
Signs and symptoms
Your child may have a latex allergy if they have any of the following after they touch or go near latex:
- hives, also known as urticaria
- hay fever or asthma
- anaphylaxis – a rare but serious allergic reaction.
Read more about anaphylaxis on the healthdirect website.
A rash after touching latex doesn't always mean your child has a latex allergy, but they could develop one if they touch or go near latex often.
Who's most at risk?
Your child is more likely to have a latex allergy if they have other allergies or have had many operations.
This includes children who have spina bifida or other inborn conditions. It also includes children with allergies like hand dermatitis, eczema, asthma and hay fever or to foods the body confuses with natural rubber latex, like:
- avocado
- banana
- chestnut
- kiwi fruit
- raw potato
- tomato
- stone fruits
- hazelnut
- melons
- celery
- carrot
- apple
- pear
- papaya
- almonds.
When to seek help
See your GP if your child has any symptoms of latex allergy.
If you're not sure whether to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.
Call Triple Zero (000) if your child has a severe reaction.
Tests for latex allergy
Test for latex allergy include:
- blood tests
- skin prick and patch tests to see if your child’s skin reacts to latex.
Managing latex allergy
There's no cure for latex allergy. The best way to manage it is for your child to avoid latex.
- Try not to buy products that use latex, including takeaway food prepared with latex gloves.
- Give your child synthetic or vinyl gloves – for example, in science class.
- Tell your child’s school or daycare about their allergy and ask them to remove equipment that contains latex.
- Tell health professionals about the allergy if your child has a checkup or operation.
- Have your child wear a medical bracelet that tells people about the latex allergy.
Developed by the Immunology and Allergy Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.
Resource ID: FS283. Reviewed: September 2023.
Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.