Every October, children anxiously await the one special night when they can dress up in their favorite costumes and collect free candy. If your little ghost or goblin has food or latex allergies, however, Halloween can be one of the most dangerous nights of the year.

For some children, just one bite of candy containing even trace amounts of an allergen like milk, peanuts, or wheat can trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic episode – an immediate reaction causing airway swelling, falling blood pressure, and sometimes death.

Halloween masks and costumes may contain hidden sources of latex, a substance that can be deadly for children who are allergic to it.

So what’s a parent to do? With a little planning and creativity, you can make this Halloween safe (and fun!) for your child.

• Latex-allergic children should stay away from rubbery masks and costumes. Check labels to make sure the costume doesn’t contain latex; look for vinyl or silicone instead.



• Go trick-or-treating with your child and remind her not to eat any candy until you’ve inspected it. Carefully examine each ingredient label for hidden allergens. Beware of snack-size or homemade candy that doesn’t list ingredients.



• Purchase a few varieties of candy your child can eat. Replace each unsafe piece of candy you find in her trick-or-treat bag with a safe piece, so your child doesn’t feel cheated.



• If your child attends a Halloween party, talk with the parent in charge ahead of time. Explain your child’s allergy and offer to provide some safe treats.



• Throw a Halloween party at your house! You can control what food is served while preserving the fun for your child and her friends. Organize a costume contest or set up a haunted house.



• Food-allergic teenagers who normally monitor what they eat may be overwhelmed by temptation on Halloween. Before they go trick-or-treating or to a costume party, remind them that one bite of the wrong food could be fatal.



• Even if your children don’t have food allergies, other kids in the neighborhood might. Pass out candy that clearly lists ingredients. Be creative – hand out gift certificates or small toys instead.

Reprinted from THE MA REPORT newsletter, October 2002.