Your child has an allergy to latex. Latex is a natural rubber material made from the sap of rubber trees. 

If your child touches latex or breathes in latex particles, they may get mild symptoms like hives (red, itchy bumps) or severe symptoms. A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can cause trouble breathing and other life-threatening symptoms. It is treated with an epinephrine injection.

Here's how to care for your child.

• Know what to do if your child has signs of an allergic reaction. Ask your healthcare provider for a written allergy action plan that includes how to use epinephrine.
• Make sure your child always has epinephrine with them, including at school, childcare, and activities. Make sure the epinephrine has not expired, and don't leave it in cars or in other places where it could be exposed to too much heat, cold, or sunlight. Epinephrine is available to use as an injection (shot) or nasal spray. Talk to your healthcare provider about which one is right for your child.
• Remove latex products from your home or replace them with latex-free alternatives. Some items that contain latex are pacifiers, bottle nipples, toys, balloons, sports equipment, condoms, art supplies, disposable diapers, clothing elastic, and bandages.

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about whether your child needs to avoid certain foods, such as bananas, avocados, kiwifruit, chestnuts, peaches, nectarines, white potatoes, and tomatoes. Some kids with a latex allergy are also allergic to these foods.
• If your child is old enough to understand, teach them to avoid latex products and to recognize signs of an allergic reaction. 
• If your child touches latex, they should wash the area right away and watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
• If your child is going to another child's house or to a party, tell a supervising adult about your child's latex allergy. Be sure they have a way to contact you in case they have any concerns or your child has a reaction.
• When eating at a restaurant, tell the server about your child's latex allergy. Some food handlers may use latex gloves.
• Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet that says they have a latex allergy. You can buy one online or at a pharmacy without a prescription.
• At school:
  • Notify the school nurse, teachers, and coaches about your child's allergy. Share the written allergy action plan with them.
  • Give the school your child's epinephrine (and any other medicines your healthcare provider prescribes) to keep at school for your child.
  • Request latex-free supplies (erasers, art supplies).
• At medical and dental appointments:
  • Always tell healthcare providers about the latex allergy BEFORE any procedure.
  • Request latex-free gloves and equipment.
  • Ask to be the first patient of the day (less latex in the air).
  • Bring your own latex-free bandages if needed.
• Make any appointments with medical specialists as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Your child has one of these signs of a mild allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Skin itching, redness, or swelling
• Sneezing or a stuffy, runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing

If your child has more than one of these mild signs, or a mild sign is getting worse, call 911 and give epinephrine (see below).

Your child has any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

• More than one mild sign
• A mild sign that is getting worse
• Swelling of the mouth or tongue
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble speaking or hoarseness
• Throat tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting
• A feeling like something bad is about to happen

Follow these steps:

1. Have someone call 911 while you give the epinephrine. If you're alone, give epinephrine first, then immediately call 911.
2. Lay your child down with their legs raised while you wait for the ambulance. Give epinephrine again if their symptoms don't go away, get worse, or go away and then come back. If your child stops breathing or doesn't have a pulse, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Your child needs to go to the ER after getting epinephrine, even if they're feeling better. The symptoms can come back and get worse.

What causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction? When someone with an allergy comes into contact with what they are allergic to, their body mistakenly thinks it's dangerous and fights against it. This causes an allergic reaction.

How do I avoid latex in my home? Read product labels carefully — look for "latex-free" on packaging. Instead of latex items, choose:

• Vinyl, nitrile, or polyethylene gloves
• Silicone pacifiers and bottle nipples
• Mylar/foil balloons
• Plastic bandages
• Non-latex medical equipment (ask your doctor)
• Cotton- or fleece-backed mats

Who gets a latex allergy? Anyone can get a latex allergy. But it is more common in people who use latex products often (such as dentists, doctors, and nurses) and in kids who have been around latex products (such as kids who have had a lot of surgeries or medical procedures).

If my child gets only mild symptoms from latex, can they still get more serious symptoms? Yes, even a child who has had a mild reaction in the past can have anaphylaxis in the future. It’s very important to always be ready to treat anaphylaxis with epinephrine.