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Almost everybody is exposed to latex, but not everyone who manifests symptoms of latex allergy has been diagnosed. As a general rule, people who are continually exposed to latex – usually at work – or have had multiple surgeries have a higher risk of developing an allergy to latex. Individuals with spina bifida, a congenital defect characterized by the incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord, also have an increased risk of developing a latex allergy.
If you suspect you have an allergy to latex, talk to your physician about getting a latex prick skin test; a positive test result can confirm latex allergy. Other tests can rule out sensitivity to other allergens. Reviewed: January 2012
Reviewed: January 2012