There is no cure for latex allergies, and preventing symptoms from appearing can be difficult. It has been estimated that latex is found in more than 40,000 commonly used everyday products, so those with allergies will find it difficult to completely avoid. However, several steps can be taken to reduce exposure or the threat of serious illness. These include:

• Try to limit exposure to latex products. Check labels to determine which products contain latex. Patients who work in an atmosphere with a lot of latex should talk to employers about ways to reduce latex use. In some cases, a career change may be necessary to prevent symptoms related to latex allergies.
  
  
• Patients should wear a medical alert bracelet that reveals their allergy. This way, healthcare professionals will be aware of the allergy in the event that a person is unconscious and needs emergency medical care.
  
  
• Inform healthcare professionals such as physicians and dentists about latex allergies, so they are aware and can avoid using latex-based gloves and equipment.
  
  
• Choose alternatives to latex gloves when practical. Vinyl gloves work well for many tasks, but do not match latex’s ability to protect against disease. Some synthetic alternatives do work as well as latex, but can be more expensive. Try to use “powder–free” gloves which do not contain the cornstarch that makes them easier to use, but also more likely to spread protein allergens.
  
  
• When wearing gloves, do not use oil–based hand creams or lotions, which contribute to glove deterioration. After using gloves, wash hands with a mild soap.
  
  
• Keep shoes, boots and tennis shoes in covered containers to minimize exposure to latex in these products.
  
  
• Ask if latex-based gloves are used during food preparation in restaurants or other food preparation settings.
  
  
• Parents of children with spina bifida and latex allergies should inform school or child care officials about the condition. Identify areas of potential latex exposure in the school and work with school officials to put a plan into place that allows them to properly respond should an emergency arise.  
  
  
• Avoid inhaling latex when possible. Try to avoid areas where people work with latex gloves or ask that they not use gloves powered with cornstarch. Plan in advance to avoid latex exposure at social functions. Scheduling early physician appointments to be the first patient of the day can also help minimize exposure to airborne latex particles.
  
  
• Be careful around holiday poinsettias. These share several proteins with latex, and an individual allergic to latex may exhibit symptoms after exposure to poinsettia plants.
  
  
• Use products that substitute nonallergenic substances in place of latex. Examples of such alternatives include:

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  Latex product	Alternative
  Balloons	Mylar balloons
  Baby toys	Plastic or cloth toys
  Bottle nipples	Silicone nipples
  Condoms	Polyurethane condoms
  Elastic bands	Paper clips, string, twine
  Disposable gloves	Vinyl gloves
  Household gloves	Synthetic, cotton gloves
  Raincoat	Nylon or synthetic waterproof coats
  Shoes with rubber	Leather or synthetic shoes
  Telephone cords	Clear cords