By Gerica Alvarado, MD
Southwest Medical, part of Optum
Fall is here and with celebrations like Halloween and fun festivities like trick-or-treating coming up, there are many temptations and goodies to be offered. Following a few dos and don’ts can help make the celebrations a little safer and healthier for both children and parents.
Treats for Special Diets
Food allergies can put a damper on any kid’s fun, especially during Halloween. Parents are reminded to examine the label of all candies to ensure your child’s allergen isn’t present and are cautioned not to allow any home-baked goods or foods that are not commercially wrapped to be eaten.[1] It is important to keep in mind that mini or bite-size versions of candy might have different ingredients than their full-size versions. To be certain last year’s treats aren’t this year’s trick, impose a “no eating while trick-or-treating” rule until you have time to review all food labels and check for tampering.
Handing out candy to little ghosts and goblins on Halloween is part of the celebrated experience and there’s a fun and easy way to make it even more inclusive for the one in 13 children who have life-threatening food allergies or intolerances.[2] The “Teal Pumpkin Project” created by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization suggests placing a teal colored pumpkin out front signaling it contains allergy-friendly candy or foods as well as non-edible treats like small toys, glow sticks, or stickers. [3],[4],[5] Some items and foods are choking risks for children and should be avoided, particularly with children under age 4 or who have certain disabilities. The list includes certain foods (including hard candy, nuts, string cheese and chewing gum)[6], small toys and any item small enough to place inside the mouth.
Keeping a watchful eye on your kids while they enjoy their loot is important as food allergies can develop at any stage of life.[7] Every 10 seconds, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room in the U.S. and no parents need that type of scare on Halloween.[8]A child having an allergic reaction may manifest symptoms of putting their hands in their mouth, pulling or scratching at their tongues, slur their words, or their voice may become hoarse or squeaky.[9] Other symptoms you may see are hives, abdominal pain, and in very severe cases, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.[10] If you think your child is having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care. Calling 911 may be needed in some cases particularly when a severe reaction occurs, symptoms begin soon after ingestion or if symptoms are progressing rapidly.[11]
Tricks on Keeping Them Healthy
The spookiest time of the year is a good marker for the start of flu season as well. Getting a flu vaccine before mischief night can help keep your child happy and healthy past Halloween and into the family holiday season.[12][13]
It is also a great time to remind your child of other important ways to stay healthy and safe as they travel door to door speaking to neighbors to get treats. Children trick-or-treating on Halloween night should remember to always watch out for cars, use reflective gear if possible, walk with a large group, walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and carry a flashlight.[14]
For parents with children who wear face paint or makeup it’s important to check out those ingredients as well. Harmful ingredients in face makeup can trigger allergies or cause problems like skin irritation.[15] Some tips to help avoid a toxic ingredients and possible skin reactions: avoid makeup with heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead and even arsenic.[16] To avoid infection from makeup, wash hands before applying and never share makeup with others.[17] A good practice is to test a small amount of makeup a few days before to see if your child will have a reaction, and when in doubt, talk to your child’s pediatrician. [18]
Stay safe, healthy, and happy this Halloween and be sure to remain healthy throughout the rest of the holiday season.
[1] Food Safety Tips for Parents – FDA
[2] Living with Food Allergies – Caring & Prevention | FARE
[3] Feasting With FARE – FoodAllergy.org
[4] The Choosing Wisely Teal Pumpkin Project – FARE
[5] Ideas for Non-Food Treats – FoodAllergy.org
[6] Choking Prevention for Babies & Children – HealthyChildren.org
[7] Food Allergy Basics – FARE
[8]Living with Food Allergies – FARE
[9]Describing a Reaction – FARE
[10]What Is a Food Allergy? – FoodAllergy.org
[11]Anaphylaxis – FoodAllergy.org
[12]Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | Influenza (Flu) | CDC
[13]Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | COVID-19 | CDC
[14]Halloween Health & Safety Tips – HealthyChildren.org
[15]Face Paint and Makeup – American Academy of Pediatrics
[16]Face Paints & Makeup: Choose Carefully to Avoid Toxic Ingredients – HealthyChildren.org
[17]Face Paints & Makeup: Choose Carefully to Avoid Toxic Ingredients – HealthyChildren.org
[18]Face Paints & Makeup: Choose Carefully to Avoid Toxic Ingredients – HealthyChildren.org
