Halloween can be tricky for those with allergies

Halloween is a big night for all the ghosts and goblins out there, but trick-or-treating can be difficult for those who have allergies.

“It’s very, very important to plan ahead,” said Dr. Jessica Hui, a pediatric allergist and immunologist with National Jewish Health.

Hui says to avoid a reaction in trick-or-treaters who have food allergies, parents should consider packing an allergy-friendly treat just in case the child can’t eat the ones they receive.

Also, read the labels, but beware, some smaller candy packaging may not have ingredients printed, and consider a non-candy alternative.

“Many parents are calling it the switch witch or the good witch who comes and leaves a gift, in exchange for the child’s candy,” said Hui. “So, it’s this nice trade system that can happen after trick or treating.”

Hui also said some children can have an allergic reaction to their costumes.

Whether it’s latex in a mask, irritating fabrics or something else they wear.

“Makeup can be very irritating and especially if it’s on several surfaces of the body,” said Hui. “You might want to just test it a little bit to see how you tolerate it before you go on to use it and apply it.”

Finally, Hui says asthma sufferers should beware of triggers, especially in haunted houses and corn mazes.

“We think about fog machines with those smoke irritants, even weeds and outdoor molds, all of those can be triggers, and so, if your child needs to pretreat with their inhaler before going, that’s a great time to do that,” she said.


About the Author
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Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.

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