A physician will compile a complete medical history and a list of symptoms as the first step in diagnosing latex allergies. A history of certain conditions such as food allergies and eczema makes latex allergies more likely.

An allergy skin test might occasionally be recommended if an allergy to latex is suspected. Skin testing for allergies is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because of the small but significant risk of anaphylaxis. Skin testing for latex allergies is also considered less accurate than other types of skin testing. During this procedure, a tiny dose of latex is introduced to the skin. A wheal (raised red bump) indicates an allergic response to the latex. In some cases, an allergy blood test – such as a RAST (radioallergosorbent test) – may be used to diagnose an allergy.

Treatment begins with avoidance, which is difficult because so many products are made of or use latex. For prevention strategies, see Prevention methods.

Medications that are often prescribed to treat symptoms include:

• Antihistamines. Medications that block the actions of histamine, a chemical that triggers many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In the treatment of latex allergies, they are generally taken before exposure to the allergen to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction occurring and/or lessen the severity of symptoms.
  
  

  

• Corticosteroids. Powerful anti-inflammatory medications that must be used with caution, as they sometimes produce serious side effects. They may be used to treat more severe latex allergies and are taken after an allergic reaction has occurred to relieve symptoms.
  
  
• Epinephrine. Those with a history of anaphylaxis may receive a prescription for an allergy kit. This kit contains an emergency dose of the drug epinephrine, which reverses the potentially life-threatening reactions of an anaphylaxis attack. A patient injects the drug into the thigh during an emergency.