By: DairyFreeGina
The air feels crisp and cool. Leaves rustle under your feet as you walk down the street. Pumpkins sit at front doors. Kids can be heard shouting “trick or treat” as doors open to ghosts, goblins , witches and superheroes. It’s spooky season once again!
Halloween is one of the most anticipated events for kids and adults. But for some with allergies and asthma, Halloween can be uncomfortable and extra scary. But it does not have to be. With some planning and prep, kids and adults can enjoy a safe and fun time.
TIP #1 Know What Your Costume is Made of and Where it’s Been Stored
Costumes and masks can trigger allergy and asthma flare-ups since some contain latex, nickel and other allergens. If costumes are stored in a basement or attic, they may contain mold, dust or dust mites.. Wash all costumes before wearing and discard any costumes with visible mold. When storing costumes use airtight containers to keep dust out and prevent damage from mold and possible water leaks.
TIP #2 Check the Ingredients in Makeup
Makeup can cause rashes on sensitive skin. Just as you read food labels, check makeup labels for allergens and chemicals. Look for products that are fragrance free instead of unscented. Unscented products can still contain amounts of fragrance used to mask odors. Items labeled unscented can still cause allergen and eczema flares.
TIP #3 Avoid Scented candles , essential oils and room fresheners
Candles, essential oils, room fresheners and plug-ins are huge asthma triggers. Battery operated candles produce the warm light of a candle and offer that cozy feeling without the allergens.
Tip #4 Skip the Fog Machines
Fog Machines create a spooky atmosphere but they make breathing more difficult, even for someone without allergies and asthma. So imagine what these machines do to someone with these conditions.
TIP #5 Read All Food Labels
If you or your child has food allergies don’t eat anything without first reading candy and treat labels. Many Halloween treats contain top allergens like dairy, eggs, wheat, soy and other allergens.
Do not eat anything without a label, including treats on a buffet table at a party. Let party hosts and neighbors know ahead of time that you and or your child has a food allergy. Help the host understand what is safe and not safe to eat.
Be mindful of Halloween candy minis– they are cute but often the ingredients and manufacturing equipment are different from full size versions. Never assume a food is safe.
Tip #6 Always Carry Your Epi and Asthma Inhaler
Don’t leave home without epi devices and asthma inhalers. It’s also a good idea to make sure the people who are with you understand how to use these devices in case you are unable to. Anaphylaxis can happen very quickly so know the signs and make sure you know how to properly use the epi device
TIP #7 TEAL IT UP! – Join the Teal Pumpkin Project by placing a teal colored pumpkin at your front door so trick-or-treaters know you will hand out food allergy safe items. . Teal pumpkins can be easily made by spray painting any pumpkin teal ! It’s that easy !! Many craft stores carry and sell the teal pumpkins already made and some can even be purchased on Amazon.
TIP #8 THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX – Make Halloween a non-food holiday. Offer treats like crayons, stickers, spider rings, glow in the dark sticks and all sorts of other fun items that kids will love. Many of these items can be bought at area dollar and craft stores.
TIP #9 Don’t jump in the leaf pile. Asthma triggers are high during this time of year. Piles of leaves and hay bales can have mold spores and pollen in them which can flare asthma and allergies.
Tip 10 – What’s the Weather Doing?
The end of October can be chilly and downright cold in some parts of the country. Cold air can trigger asthma flares and windy days spread pollen and mold. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests taking allergy meds before heading out for the night.
With a little bit of extra planning and attention to detail you can have an enjoyable Halloween and Autumn.
What are you doing this year to make sure all kids can enjoy a safe Halloween? Tell us in the comments section.
DairyFreeGina is allergic to milk and lamb, and eats vegan and gluten free. She is a life long fitness enthusiast, runner and dancer who is passionate about talking food, nutrition, health and exercise. Gina holds a certificate in Nutrition and a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Gina loves cats big and small, calls Disney World her 2nd home– and often blogs on these topics too.
