Almost everyday we have callers, call in asking for LATEX FREE Compression Socks and stockings! They are not concern about the color, the design, the brand, it MUST be Latex Free!
What exactly is Latex!
Latex is a natural substance that comes from the rubber tree. Latex can be used in textiles. There is two forms, dry natural rubber and natural rubber latex.
Natural rubber latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, found in Africa and Southeast Asia. Allergic reactions to products made with latex develop in persons who become allergic (or sensitized) to proteins contained in natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex should not be confused with synthetic rubber made from chemicals. Synthetic rubber products, including “latex” house paints, are not made with natural latex. Synthetic rubber does not trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to products made with natural rubber latex. In fact, Latex is a growing dramatic health problem, for a lot of people who are allergic to and latex-sensitive.
What product contain natural rubber Latex?
Latex is EVERYWHERE!!!
Latex is a common component of many medical and dental supplies.
* disposable gloves
* dental dams
* airway and intravenous tubing
* syringes
* stethoscopes
* catheters
* dressings and bandages
Other widespread Latex products includes:
* tires
* handbags
* balloons
* condoms
* athletic shoes
* compression stockings
* elastic in waistbands…such as underwear, leggings, diapers
* rubber toys
* rubber nipples
* baby bottles
* baby pacifiers
* remote control buttons
* carpet backing
Some of the above products can occur either by:
* Direct Contact: The most common cause of latex allergy involves touching latex-containing products
* Inhalation Contact: A lot of latex products, especially some medical gloves that shed latex particles, which you breathe in when these particles become airborne.
What are some latex allergy symptoms?
* Latex allergies can cause reactions ranging from – contact dermatitis – immediate itching, swelling and redness of the skin – to hives.
* It can cause asthma symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
* The most severe latex allergy can result in anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction. It involving severe breathing difficulty and/or fall in blood pressures or full-blown anaphylactic shock in severe cases. Given these facts, if you have severe symptoms, call your doctor or 911 immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Who are most likely at Risk?
Confirmed by an article in the Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247168 it states according to the United States Department of Labor, 8-12 percent of healthcare workers are thought to have a latex allergy, as well as up to 68 percent of all spinal bifida patients (due to regular surgical procedures). However, overall, less than 1 percent of the general population is allergic.
Because medical offices have many rubber products that are used on a daily bases. This causes many health-care workers problems. In fact, it can be a direct career-change, also an career-ending ailment. The problem has become so widespread, that the Food and Drug Administration is considering mandatory warnings on medical products that contain latex.
These people are most likely at Risk:
* health care workers: doctors, nurses, surgical staff, dentists, dental hygienists, emergency medical services personnel, lab technicians
* workers in latex rubber industry (tire manufactures, rubber manufacturing and glove manufacturing)
* people who undergo frequent medical procedures
* housekeeping staff working in health care facilities
* food service workers
* children with spinal bifida or multiple surgeries at an early age
* Multiple allergy sufferers
* child care providers
* hair dressers
* fire fighters and law enforcement professionals
Summary
Yes, a simple thing like “latex” can cause serious health problems even at an early age and later in life. This information is to educate you and your family. Take notice, of the symptoms and area’s in your life where you could be in contain with latex. You may ask – why did we write this “article?” We have this question ask of us on a daily base. Are your compression stockings and socks Latex Free?
We are a provider of “compression stockings.” Above all, we take this aspect of “latex” very serious. That’s why we only provide compression leg wear and compression garments that are LATEX FREE! Please take time to look at a few of our customer favorite Latex Free compression stockings, Click Here!
Blog Written by Gwen Marion our Certified Fitting Specialists on March 24, 2017
I am 96 and just recently broke out in what looks like measles from my ankles to my knees. I am allergic to latex and wonder if you have any suggestions. I have been wearing support hose over ten years.