Question:
My girlfriend has recently been diagnosed as having a latex allergy and I
was wondering what forms of clothing etc she needs to avoid. Are there any
sites that can provide me with lists of UK products that should be avoided?
Is latex present in elastane products such as Lycra?
Answer:
Well, this is sort of indelicate, but...
Many condoms are made of latex. There are condoms available made of
polyurethane or sheepgut. I don't know about your other questions. And I
am not trying to pry into your personal life, either.I too am latex allergic. You might have her check with Allerderm.com. They
carry vinyl gloves. Be sure and have your girlfriend tell her doctor/dentist
to use vinyl not latex gloves. As for clothing; I'm trying to find out about everyday items. Can research on
the web; but most are for the medical professional items not the everyday.
For example: does the plastic tube containers that my lotions come in contain
latex? Trying to find out now. Rubbermaid has responded to me about their
everyday products not containing latex (only their latex gloves). Trying to
research other companies.
just two things:
- make an "alergy pasport" witch lists all of your alergys. Put it
near your Driving License or some other place where Doctors can find
it in case of an accident. The people who gives you first aid have to
know your alergys!!!!
- When youre a Boy have always some Latex Free Condoms with you! The
Girls wont give you a chance if you talking about Alergys!! Thats my Experiences. I hope it helps you and you can read it because
its my first posting in English.You're girlfriend is not alone but one of a growing 1-6% of the general
populaiton and up to 8-17% of healthcare workers with latex allergy
You can click on http://www.lasg.co.uk (The Latex Allergy Support Group in
the UK). it's £10 to join up and members are sent a list of items that may
or may not contain latex and ones that you may need to watch out for and
avoid.
Lycra (the registered trade mark) does not contain Natural Rubber Latex,
although NRL is contained in some "elastics" in clothing. IF your
girlfriend has type 1 allergy (anaphylactic reaction) rather than type 4
latex allergy (allergic contact dermatitis, limited to the skin), then she
will need to practice strict avoidance so as not to increase her sensitivity
and be put at risk of a more serious reaction..
There's a great links database on the net- Nancy Mitchell's Latex Allergy
Links- with lot of up to date info, plus you can access discussion groups
specifically on LA, nrlalivingroom and rubber2, both on egroups
