Symptoms

A person can have an allergic reaction after touching latex products or inhaling latex particles. The allergic reaction can vary in severity, causing a wide range of symptoms.

A mild allergic reaction to latex can cause immediate symptoms, such as:

What to know about condoms and allergies

Symptoms of a moderate reaction to latex include:

A person with a severe allergy may experience a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

During anaphylaxis, the immune system triggers the release of large numbers of inflammatory compounds called histamines. These compounds cause rapid and severe inflammation throughout the body.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

The symptoms of anaphylaxis occur suddenly and can progress rapidly. People experiencing this require immediate treatment with epinephrine, a drug that counteracts allergic reactions.

A person should contact emergency services immediately if they or someone around them experiences anaphylaxis.