Latex sensitivity and cross-reactivity with food

speech529 · August 2019

Ten years ago I had a unilateral nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and augmentation of native breast--two different Allergan silicone implants (both are on recall list). I have had a latex sensitivity for 30 years triggered by a latex diaphragm. If any latex is on my skin for more than 10-15 minutes I get a rash that lasts for 3 days or so.

For the past 18-24 months, I have noticed burning on my tongue when I eat certain foods. It started with walnuts - intermittently. Then that got worse and now I can barely eat one walnut. This has progressed to other foods: avocado, kiwi, banana, strawberry, watermelon, eggplant, figs. This used to be intermittent but now I react all the time. I found out that there is something called "cross-reactivity" and "latex food sensitivity". I have stopped eating all foods that I notice cause this reaction on my tongue.

I have no other symptoms. I haven't talked with my doctor yet but I wonder if there is a connection with having implants for the past 10 years? Or is this coincidental?

Anyone experience this?

gb2115 · August 2019

Are the implants latex? I don't see how it would be related, however, after my lumpectomy I started having waaay more skin allergies than before. I reacted to the dermabond (shudder), and the miaderm during radiation. I developed a sudden allergy (wheal and flare type) to the TB test they do in your arm after getting them for 20 years working in healthcare and having no problems. These were bad allergies...severe rashes that derm referred to as being "allergic to the allergy," sending rash distant places like my earlobes. Itching so bad I nearly went to the ER to ask for a sedative (but derm came to the rescue with a wonderful steroid shot). She is still my hero for that 3 years later lol.

Since then I have also developed a new adhesive sensitivity, but only near the radiation field. I can put bandaids on my legs, but chest or back rashes up badly.

My point for sharing is that I was never an allergic person before cancer. I think something in surgery (? Anesthesia) sensitized me or switched something on.

speech529 · August 2019

Hi gb2115

No there’s no latex in the implants - silicone filled but I don’t know of what the shells are made - can’t imagine there would be any latex as it is reactive with about 70% of all people!

I agree that major health challenges & treatments can affect our bodies in strange ways.

Thanks

Latex sensitivity and cross-reactivity with food

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