Some children develop an allergy to natural rubber latex, which is often used in disposable gloves, medical supplies, and many common household products. Your child should have two epinephrine auto-injectors available at all times.

The sap of the rubber tree used to make latex products contains proteins that can cause an allergic reaction in some kids.

Often, people with a latex allergy have frequently been exposed to latex products in the past, such as latex gloves or equipment used during surgeries or medical procedures.

Coming into contact with latex can cause redness, swelling, itching, hives, a rash, sneezing, nasal congestion, teary or itchy eyes, or a serious allergic reaction. A serious reaction can include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, dizziness, and fainting. If not treated, a severe reaction can be life threatening.

Sometimes, within a few days after exposure to latex gloves, kids can develop an irritating (but not serious) rash that's due to other chemicals in the gloves.

• Avoiding latex is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. Teach your child to avoid latex completely. This includes any products made of latex, such as some infant pacifiers, bottle nipples, toys, balloons, sports equipment, condoms, art supplies, disposable diapers, clothing elastic, and bandages.
• Give any medications to your child as prescribed by the health care provider.
• Tell health care providers and dentists about your child's allergy before any medical or dental procedure.
• Some kids with latex allergies also have allergies to certain foods (such as bananas, kiwi, and peaches), which share some similar proteins to latex. Follow the health care provider's instructions about any foods to avoid.
• Always use non-latex alternatives.
• Keep some non-latex disposable gloves with you.

• Be prepared for an allergic reaction. Have two epinephrine auto-injector readily available at all times, including at school or childcare. Talk to your health care provider about how to recognize the signs of a reaction.
• Ask the health care provider for a latex allergy action plan or anaphylaxis (severe reaction) action plan.
• Discuss your child's allergy with teachers, the school nurse, and any other care providers. Share the action plan with them and be sure they know how to respond in the event of an allergic reaction.
• Your child should always wear a latex medical alert ID bracelet. You can buy one in a drugstore or online.

• Your child shows signs of an allergic reaction.
• You have questions about how to manage your child's allergy.

• You or your child is injected with epinephrine in the hand or foot by accident .

If your child shows signs of anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing, throat tightness, dizziness, a combination of two mild symptoms (such as hives with vomiting), or loss of consciousness, follow these steps, in this order:

• Immediately use the epinephrine auto-injector on your child. Give the epinephrine even if you're not sure your child needs it. It won't do any harm. After getting the epinephrine, your child must go to the ER to see if any additional treatment is needed. This is true even if your child is doing better, because there can be a second wave of symptoms.
• Call 911.
  • If someone is with you, have that person call 911 and tell the person your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
  • If you're alone, give epinephrine first, then immediately call 911 and say your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
• Lay your child down with his or her legs elevated while you wait for the ambulance.
• Don't take your child to the ER in a car. Wait for an ambulance with trained specialists to transport your child.
• Take the used epinephrine auto-injector to the hospital with you.

Your health care provider may refer you to a specialist for allergy testing and/or treatment.