How to check if I am allergic to latex?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had oral sex with a condom. I got a white dot on the top of the roof as well as a lesion in the mouth. I have attached the picture. I believe I am allergic to latex. Is this an allergic reaction? Or what can it be? What can I do to make this go away? It has been like this for two days.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the picture you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Here is how to check if you are allergic to latex. If you think oral sex has led to such an allergic reaction, then it should be present in one to two days from the contact of latex. If you had found that these red spots arose after five days, then there are possibilities to rule out allergies. Also, if you are allergic and had used latex condoms for safe sex, then you would have got itching and irritation of the vaginal skin as well within the same time frame. Moreover, these allergic reactions are similar to food allergies.

Once you stop contact with them, you do not get the allergy. Latex allergy seems to have an overlap with the allergy to kiwi, avocado, and banana. Because it is the same component that brings the reaction in both the latex condoms and these foods. If you are allergic to this food, then there is a suspicion again. To avoid these, use non-latex condoms available in the stores. That will be the polyurethane ones. Also, a blood check is required to confirm the allergic reactions. Once it is done, then I suggest an application of Hydrocortisone cream on the oral red spots and down there to get rid of them. Consult your doctor, discuss with him or her, and take medicine with consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.