Allergy- Halloween Safety: Navigating Food Allergies and Costume Reactions

By Buffalo Medical Group | October 28 2024 | Uncategorized

By Roland Honeine, M.D. 

Halloween is a magical time for kids and families, filled with costumes, spooky decorations, and of course, candy. But for parents of children with food allergies or sensitivities to certain materials, it can also be a stressful experience. Beyond the candy haul, allergens can hide in unexpected places—such as face paint, masks, or costume fabrics. Knowing what to look out for and how to prepare can help make the holiday fun and safe for everyone. 

Food Allergies and Halloween Candy 

For children with food allergies, Halloween candy can pose serious risks. Common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, and wheat are often ingredients in popular treats. Many small, fun-sized candies lack detailed ingredient labels, making it harder to determine if they are safe. Parents should be cautious of candies that are processed in facilities that handle allergens, as cross-contamination is possible. 

To ensure a safe trick-or-treating experience: 

• Take the epinephrine auto-injector with you. 

• Check every label before letting your child enjoy any candy; for fun-sized candies, you can find most nutrition labels online. 

• Your child should not eat while trick-or-treating. Once they get back home, you can engage in “triaging” safe and unsafe candy. Then, your child can barter the unsafe candy with their sibling or sell it to their parents. 

• Consider trick-or-treating at the homes of friends and family who know your child’s allergy and can be trusted to provide safe candy. Better still, you can provide the goods beforehand. 

• Use teal pumpkins to signal your home is allergy-friendly. The Teal Pumpkin Project, by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), promotes non-food treat options for children with allergies. Teal Pumpkin Project 

• Consider alternative treats, such as stickers or small toys, as part of a non-food Halloween celebration, like glow sticks, necklaces, Slinkies, or kazoos. 

• Stay at home and have your child dress up to give candy to the other kids “storming your castle.” 

Reactions to Costumes and Makeup 

Costumes and makeup are another potential source of contact reactions. Many children’s costumes are made from synthetic fabrics that can irritate sensitive skin. Face paint, makeup, and special effects products can also contain allergens, especially if they’re not labeled as hypoallergenic or non-toxic. 

Some common culprits include: 

• Latex in masks or stretchy costume parts, which can trigger latex allergies. 

• Nickel in costume jewelry or accessories, known to cause skin reactions. 

• Fragrances and preservatives in makeup or face paint, which can cause rashes or other skin irritations. 

Tips for a Safe Halloween 

• Do a patch test with any new face paint or makeup at least 48 hours before Halloween. Apply a small amount to a less noticeable area, like the inside of the wrist, to check for reactions. 

• Choose cotton or natural fabrics when possible for costumes, as they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. 

• Check makeup and costume labels for “hypoallergenic” or “non-toxic” designations. 

• Carry allergy medications, such as antihistamines, just in case. 

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your child has a fun and safe Halloween. Planning ahead and staying informed will allow everyone to enjoy the spooky season without the scare of an allergic reaction. 

Roland Honeine, M.D. is board certified in Allergy and Immunology by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is accepting new patients at BMG’s Lockport, Williamsville, and Orchard Park locations. To schedule an appointment, call 716-630-1130 or 716-656-4988.