Got some latex mask allergies? Here’s how you can manage it

Latex outfits are some of the coolest and kinkiest garments you can find. Everyone loves them — from fashion designers and their models on catwalks to BDSM lovers in their home dungeons. The reason is simple — latex looks good, fits all body types, is affordable, and most importantly, it’s eco-friendly. Also, to enjoy them further, make sure that you purchase them from authentic shops like Laidtex.com.

However, like with some other materials out there, some people might experience allergic reactions while using latex. This is especially true if you wear it on your face as a mask. But don’t worry! It’s not all doom and gloom. You can find ways around it and still enjoy wearing some form of this material. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a closer look at latex allergy and explain why it occurs.

Why latex triggers allergies

In essence, latex is a form of natural rubber. As such, it holds certain proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. Our bodies are not perfect, and they can sometimes react to stimuli the way we don’t expect them to. And when it comes to latex, our defense mechanism can mistake it for some other harmful agent. When that happens, it can lead to various complications, from mild to quite severe reactions.

Allergies from latex: Are they dangerous?

In most cases, latex allergy manifests in itching, which isn’t very pleasant, but it’s not that harmful. On the other hand, a bit more severe reactions can cause hives and redness. However, at other times, it can lead to dangerous scenarios, including anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening condition that, unfortunately, leads to swelling in your throat and breathing complications.

If you are allergic to latex, you should probably know it by now. The symptoms can occur after touching any objects that contain it — from toys and balloons to gloves and BDSM outfits. This material is pretty widespread, so you must have been in contact with it at some point. For instance, when someone removes a part of their clothing made from latex in your presence, you can experience some symptoms due to the dust particles it releases into the air.

Knowing the possible cause

For latex allergy to occur, your body’s immune system needs to identify it first. Once it does, it will send out troops of antibodies to tackle it. The next time you come in contact with this material, the mentioned antibodies will signal your brain to start releasing numerous chemicals like histamine that lead to allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, every new exposure to latex leads to more severe reactions from your immune system. This phenomenon is what doctors call sensitization. The more you’re in contact with something — latex, in this case — the more sensitive to it you become.

This kind of allergy can be the result of two things — direct contact and inhalation.

• Direct contact: This is the most common cause of latex allergy. By simply touching something that contains this material, your body will immediately start reacting to it. Unfortunately for people who are highly sensitive, latex is common in many household items. Moreover, it’s what most regular condoms are made from, let alone BDSM face masks.

• Inhalation: The other cause of an allergy to latex is if you inhale its dust particles. This is most common when it comes to gloves for dishwashing. Once you or someone in your near presence takes them off, particles of latex will fly into the air and eventually go through your nostrils. Depending on the amount of these airborne latex particles and your sensitivity to them, you can experience either mild or severe symptoms.

Luckily, none of what we’ve said means that you can’t enjoy this material if you have allergic reactions to it, as not all latex products come from their natural source. Man-made synthetic rubber (a form of latex) is way less likely to cause any reaction, even in the most sensitive people out there.

Types of latex allergies we should be aware

Like we’ve said, latex allergies can be both mild, severe, and life-threatening. So, to better understand how your body might react to this material and masks made from it, we’ll list common symptoms that can ensue.

Mild reactions include:

• Itchy skin
• Redness
• Skin rashes
• Hives

Severe reactions include:

• Coughing
• Scratchy throat 
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Watery eyes
• Breathing difficulties
• Runny nose

Dangerous reactions — Anaphylaxis — include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Dizziness 
• Wheezing
• Blood pressure drop
• Throat swelling
• Nausea and an urge to vomit

Interestingly enough, an anaphylaxis reaction doesn’t usually occur the first time highly sensitive people come in contact with latex.

Risk factors

There are certain risk factors that might suggest how bad of a reaction to latex one might experience. If you suffer from spina bifida — a spine birth defect — you should avoid this material at any cost. Furthermore, if you had frequent surgeries and medical interventions, the chances are that your body developed an allergic reaction to latex from medical gloves. The same goes if you work in a hospital or in the rubber industry due to wearing this garment all the time. Lastly, it’s wise to avoid latex if someone in your family has a history with it, too.

First aid

If you find yourself having an allergic reaction to latex, there are a few things you should do. Firstly, you should get away from the products containing it. Leave the room, go outside, and dial the emergency number to get help. On the other hand, if you know that you have allergic reactions to latex and have an auto-injector, be sure to use it immediately. Although this might seem like overreacting, you never know how bad your immune response to latex can manifest. So, don’t take any chances and be quick to react.

Getting the proper and professional treatments

Nowadays, when we’re living through a global pandemic, there’s really no reason to question proper and professional treatment. So, seeking professional help is the best thing you can do, regardless of what condition you suffer from. As such, you should request an appointment at your local medical center to test yourself and get more information on how to manage latex allergies.

Also, if possible, it might be best to go see your doctor while you’re having an allergic reaction to latex. This way, they’ll understand better how severe it is and how they can eventually help you. Another smart idea would be to acquire a neck tag that says that you’re allergic to latex. With it, if you suffer a severe reaction, people in your vicinity can know what you’re going through and call for an emergency more promptly.