Halloween is the perfect time to unleash your creativity. Whether you’re grabbing DIY supplies from The Craft Cottage or picking up a ready-made costume from your favorite shop, comfort and safety should always be top of mind.
For many, this means considering allergies. From fabric to face paint, certain costume materials can trigger reactions that turn a fun night into a fright night.
Why Halloween Costumes Can Cause Allergies
Halloween costumes can hide sneaky triggers:
- Dust and mold from old costumes
- Latex or rubber in masks, gloves or props
- Metals like nickel in jewelry, buttons or clasps
- Certain fabrics that irritate the skin
- Makeup ingredients, including dyes, fragrances or preservatives
- Hay or stuffing in DIY props
Tips for a Worry-Free Costume
Here’s how to make your costume fun and allergy-safe:
- Choose hypoallergenic makeup. Painting on a shimmery fairy face or fierce tiger is an excellent addition to your costume. If you’re allergic to one or more of the five common types of cosmetics allergens— natural rubber, fragrances, preservatives, dyes and metals—opt for products labeled hypoallergenic, unscented or nontoxic to keep your skin happy.
- Read the labels. Check the tags on costumes and accessories. Look for fabrics like cotton or polyester for clothing and avoid latex or rubber in masks and gloves if you have sensitivities to these materials.
- Skip the metal. Approximately 10% of the U.S. population has a nickel allergy. If you’re among that group, skip jewelry, zippers or helmets with metal components to prevent rashes or irritation.
- Clean costumes thoroughly. Give old costumes a good wash or wipe-down. Fabric items should be gently laundered, rubber and plastic masks soaked in warm soapy water and electronics wiped clean.
If you or your child has food allergies, Halloween preparation requires an additional step. Make sure to check the ingredients in food and candy before consuming to prevent a reaction.
Enjoy Halloween Without Worries
Halloween is the time to enjoy trick-or-treating, spooky movies and candy galore. By taking a few of the above precautions, you can keep allergic reactions off your list of spooky activities.
For more tips on managing allergies this season, contact Midwest ENT Centre for an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.