Our Top Tips for Allergy Safety this Halloween

Understand the Signs of Anaphylaxis
An anaphylactic reaction can come on suddenly, and young children may not know what is happening to them so be aware of warning sings. A child might start to complain of:
- Feeling like they have a lump in the throat (or they start sounding hoarse)
- Seem to have trouble breathing or begin wheezing. May also start to complain of chest tightness
- Say they have a tingling feeling in the hands, feet, lips or scalp
- Begin to flush and get red around the neck or face
Other symptoms of anaphylaxis are dizziness and confusion.
If you, your child, or another child around you begin to experience any of the above symptoms, use an autoinjector (if you have one) and call 911 immediately.
You should also discuss with your child what to do if he or she starts feeling itchy, having trouble breathing or showing any signs of a reaction. Talk with your child in advance about what happens when an allergic reaction occurs and what treatment measures you may have to take. The more they are involved in their treatment, the more in control they will feel.
Candy Is Not the Only Issue – Don’t Forget Costumes
If your child has contact allergies or suffers from hives or other skin issues, be aware of costumes and face and skin paint accessories that could lead to reactions. Most kids costumes are safe and hypo-allergenic, but some of the accessories may set off a reaction. Look out for nickel in some costume accessories such as cowboy belts, swords, tiaras and magic wands. Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, which can make skin itch and ruin an otherwise fun night of trick-or-treating.
Be on the lookout for ingredients in cheap Halloween makeup, which may cause allergic reactions. If your child must use makeup, opt for the higher-quality products. Don’t assume, however, that because it’s more expensive it’s safe – always test makeup ahead of time by applying a little bit to a small area of skin a few days in advance to check for a reaction.
Look for the Teal Pumpkins
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a FARE campaign to help make Halloween safer for kids with allergies.
Launched in 2014 the Teal Pumpkin Project aims to increase awareness of food allergies as well as promote inclusion for all of our trick-or-treaters. There are some great resources to show your support and even to add your house to a crowd sourced map of a list of homes that are participating—most Teal Pumpkin participants are offering treats other than candies.
Do some pre-Halloween planning and keep a few tricks handy, and you and your goblins can be sure to have a safe and awesome Halloween!
If you are worried that you or your child might have allergies or asthma – contact Allergy and Asthma Specialists of North Florida to schedule an appointment or to talk with one of our Board Certified Allergists.
For more great allergy safety information visit our friends at FoodAllergy.org