Allergy Tips for Parents on Halloween

Halloween can be difficult for parents of children with allergies, and even for parents of kids who don't. Face paints, candy and other foods all may pose potential health hazards for kids with allergies. National Jewish Health for Kids allergist Dr. Christine Cho offers the following tips to parents this Halloween.

Epinephrine saves lives

Kids, and adults, who are food allergic should carry their epinephrine autoinjectors at all times. Kids are often tempted to start in on the candy before getting home. It’s important that an accompanying adult or the child themselves carries their epinephrine while trick-or-treating. If you don’t have your epinephrine, don’t eat.

No label, no eat

Closely examine the food for any signs of tampering and the labels for any ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction. Allergies to peanut and/or tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds and cashews, affect more than 3 million Americans, according to American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Smaller candy labels often don't have room for an ingredients list. If you don't have a label you can read, toss it, unless you can look up the specific candy's ingredient list online. Children with food allergies should only eat candy where the ingredients have been verified.

Hypoallergenic makeup

Grease or face paints can be problematic for a child whose skin is easily irritated. Hypoallergenic face paints are the best option to combat this. Also, make sure that the paints wash off easily. If the child has eczema, chronic red and itchy skin, avoid face and grease paint altogether.

Avoid the unknown and have a safe alternative

Kids will want to eat the candy immediately. Tell your child to come home first so that you can check the ingredients. Perhaps, slip a few safe snacks into children's trick-or-treat bags to help them avoid eating food that hasn't been checked by parents.