Allergic People Take Care on Halloween
Allergens in Hidden Ingredients and Chemicals Can Cause Symptoms
Oct 15, 2008
People with allergies need to be constantly vigilant about avoiding substances and foods that cause allergic reactions. Halloween is a holiday with inherent risks for the allergy sufferer. Many substances and foods that are safe for healthy people can cause allergic reactions to people with food and chemical sensitivities. Halloween can still be fun for people with allergies, as long as some precautions are taken to avoid an uncomfortable reaction.
Children are especially vulnerable to peer pressure to participate in activities at parties. Most children's activities at Halloween parties are safe and appropriate for children. However, the child with allergies risks exposure to hidden ingredients in foods that can cause allergic symptoms, such as rashes, nasal congestion, sneezing, puffy eyes and any other allergic symptoms.
Allergic symptoms are not confined to foods. Costumes themselves can cause symptoms in people that have chemical sensitives and allergies to dust. Costumes may have been sitting and accumulating dust and mold. New costumes may have been made with cheap dyes or substances that cause reactions. Masks made of latex may cause allergic symptoms to people with a latex allergy. Costumes or masks with feathers can cause symptoms in people with an allergy to birds and feathers.
Parents of children should involve themselves in the construction of Halloween costumes. Children should be seriously coached about safe foods and foods they need to be careful about.
Halloween Party Food and Allergies
Children with allergies need to be aware of what foods are safe to eat. Unfortunately, party food does not usually come with a list of ingredients. It is not always easy to ask the person who prepared the food about ingredients and recipes. Common ingredients that may be found in Halloween party foods include dairy, eggs, peanuts, chocolate and wheat flour.
If allergies are severe, it is a good idea to let the host, or hostess, know that the child has a problem with allergies.
Coach the child about safe foods and foods to avoid. Children with allergies should learn to monitor their intake as they may have to watch their diet for life.
Halloween Costumes
Halloween costumes are fun and fanciful. Rental costumes, or older costumes, may harbor dust mites, which can cause allergic symptoms. Older costumes may have never had a good washing to kill dust mites and mildew. If wearing a used costume, wash it in hot water and tumble it dry to eliminate dust mites.
Cheap dyes used in commercial costumes may contain chemicals that cause a reaction in people in people with allergies. People with allergies should avoid wearing costumes with a strong chemical odor.
Consider making a home made costume out of non-toxic materials, such as cotton fabric, from the sewing and craft store. Creating a costume can be a great deal of fun for children and adults.
Latex Masks
Masks that cover the face have the potential to cause allergic symptoms in sensitive people. Instead of a full mask, consider a small mask that covers the area around the eyes or use make up to create a face of choice.
Halloween Make Up
Heavy grease paint, or Halloween make-up can cause allergic skin reactions, such as hives and rashes. People with allergies should skip the heavy make up and use a good quality cosmetic to paint the lips, cheeks and eyes, as needed.
Halloween Party Environment
Halloween parties may have a harvest theme, with hay bales sitting around. Hay can cause allergic symptoms and should be avoided by allergic people.
Halloween parties can be enjoyed by children and adults with allergies. Precautions to avoid allergens help to keep celebrations fun for all.
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Consult an allergist or the family doctor for additional information.
Halloween Can Cause Allergic Reactions
