Latex Allergy | OtterBox | Allergy

Latex Allergy and OtterBox

by Allergy Guy

Latex allergy symptoms are reported by some OtterBox users, but latex is not used to make OtterBox. The cause and solution are explained here.

If you have a latex allergy and you are very sensitive, you may find that you get typical symptoms from handling an OtterBox. Most likely this will happen when it is new and then drop off over time.

The reason for this is as follows: these products are handled with latex gloves during the manufacturing and packing processes. The OtterBoxes themselves are made from foamed silicone cord or butyl rubber, depending on the model, and with polycarbonate, so there is no latex in the OtterBox, but there may be latex on the OtterBox. As the latex gloves are used, they wear and rip; some of the latex can rub off on the product, or bits can tear off the gloves and be left behind.

The solution to reducing or eliminating this problem is to wash your OtterBox with warm water and mild soap or detergent. This should remove the latex residue and eliminate your latex allergy symptoms.

Have you experienced a latex allergy reaction to your OtterBox? What did you do about it? Please leave a comment.

(Visited 4,984 times, 1 visits today)

Leave a Comment

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 C.A. Baumert November 2, 2019 at 00:43

I recently got upgraded from a Samsung Note 4 to a Note 8 by Verizon, through their protection plan. After buying an inexpensive Otterbox on Ebay, I noticed it fumey smelling and started having more frequent occurring asthma symptoms.The purchased item appears to look factory original and the box too. I don’t have any latex allergies because I normally use latex gloves daily. Something new is making me suspicious as to the quality of my purchase, and question if it is official or a counterfeited, and/or of poor quality. Reportedly it is manufactured from Cork, Ireland. I’m frequently wheezing again. I hope this post is helpful to asthma sufferers.

Reply

2 Kristi Ledbetter July 18, 2018 at 23:52

My daughter is allergic to latex, tree fruit and tree nuts. She had a reaction to “something” and I am trying to determine what. She has a somewhat new Otterbox Symmetry case. She is very bad about propping the phone against her lip, which is where her reaction was. Thoughts?

Reply

3 Elizabeth Hamman December 2, 2017 at 04:59

I’m going to clean my otterbox just in case, but I’ve never had an issue with latex before. My hand is covered in small, under skin blisters that are slowly rising to the surface of my palm and fingertips right where they come in contact with the case and plastic clip. I’ve never had this issue until I got my new phone and case.

Reply

4 Darrell Leone March 21, 2018 at 18:49

Hey there Elizabeth, I’m having the same problem it seems! Did you have any luck?

Reply

5 Ellerie July 9, 2018 at 13:55

Oh my goodness, I am having the same problem with underskin blisters on my fingers. Mine can erupt into full-blown blisters. My dermatologist was puzzled and tested my blood for so many things and came back with nothing.
Just put it together today that it could be my Otterbox. I’m taking it off immediately and seeing if it helps.

Reply

6 L Little September 26, 2019 at 18:19

Yes, my daughter and I both have latex allergies and we have been experiencing severely itchy palms and fingers, along with blistering and tiny fluid filled bumps that suggest a contact allergy. We have tried for over 2 months to identify the problem, along with visiting the primary care doctor and then sent to the specialist with blood work up.
My daughter unwittingly purchased a new case as she wanted one that would fit into her pocket. We began to notice that her allergy went away while mine continued. We finally put the information together and identified the otter box as the potential problem. Very frustrating with ongoing discomfort and costly medical/lab bills.
Sounds like latex gloves are used in processing & packaging of the otter box; seems like the company should adopt a policy of the use of the latex-free gloves, or put the disclaimer on the box.
I e washed the otter box case with warm soapy water & rinsed well, as the article suggested, yet this has not solved the problem. We may need to take the cases back for a refund, w/return as used but defective. Bummer, as I really like the protection for the phone that this case provided, but this is not tolerable.

Reply

7 Joyce October 4, 2019 at 16:05

So my question to you would be are you allergic to silicone? I am allergic to latex but my coworker is allergic to anything silicone so between the two of us, work can be rather amusing on who can help which customer with what. Just a thought.

Reply

Previous post:

Next post: