How to Treat a Latex Skin Rash

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By Alicia Bodine, eHow Contributing Writer

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Latex is a type of rubber that is commonly used to make gloves for health-care workers and balloons for parties. Some people have an allergic reaction to latex. A skin rash that resembles poison ivy can break out if a person with an allergy to latex comes in contact with it. After the person gets away from the latex, he can begin treating the rash.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Soap
Water
Antihistamine
Calamine
Cotton balls

Step 1

Wash the area where the rash occurred. Do this just to make sure that all of the latex particles that touched the skin are washed away. You also want to keep your rash clean so that it can heal properly.
Step 2

Take an antihistamine such as Benadryl. This will allow the body to stop releasing histamine, which is causing the reaction. The dosage of antihistamine depends on a person's age and weight. Be sure to read the product label carefully when determining your dose.
Step 3

Use an ointment on your rash that contains the ingredient calamine. Calamine stops the rash from itching. It is also an antiseptic, which will prevent the rash from turning into a bad infection. Apply the ointment with a cotton ball. Use this ointment every few hours as needed to stop the itch.

Tips & Warnings

Take proper measures to avoid coming in contact with the latex again. Latex allergies progress over time, and your rashes could get worse.
Latex allergies can escalate into anaphylactic shock. Your airways will close up, and you will not be able to breathe. Keep an eye out for this, and seek medical treatment immediately. You may even want to wear a medical-alert bracelet letting others know you have an allergy to latex.