Is LaTeX a real allergy?

Yes, latex allergy is a real allergy, recognized as true immune mediated allergy to proteins in natural rubber latex from rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. It is not just irritation, it is real IgE mediated allergic reaction where immune system overreacts to latex proteins, causing symptoms from skin redness, itching, hives, to respiratory symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and severe anaphylaxis which can be life threatening. Latex allergy affects 1 to 6 percent of general population, higher among healthcare workers, people with spina bifida, and those with multiple surgeries due to repeated exposure. It is diagnosed by skin prick test, blood test for latex specific IgE, and history. There is also irritant contact dermatitis from latex gloves due to friction and sweating, which is not true allergy but irritation. Latex fruit syndrome is cross reaction with banana, avocado, kiwi. So yes, latex allergy is real, documented medical condition, potentially serious, and requires avoidance of natural rubber latex products and use of alternatives like nitrile gloves, and carrying epinephrine if severe. LaTeX typesetting software is not allergy.