Tips for Allergy-Safe Halloween Costumes

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

Picking out a Halloween costume is a chance to express your creativity. Whether you make one yourself out of old scraps of cloth and paper cups, or you buy a premade option from Evil Izzy’s Haunted Emporium, you want to make sure that your choice of costume is comfortable and safe.

One thing to consider when choosing your new persona is your allergies.

How Can Halloween Costumes Trigger Allergies?

Kids asking trick or treat on Halloween

An estimated 80+ million people in the United States have allergies. There are a few costume materials that can trigger a reaction:

  • Latex
  • Nickel and other metals
  • Rubber
  • Certain fabrics
  • Makeup dyes, preservatives or fragrances
  • Hay from costume stuffing
  • Dust from old costumes
  • Mold growth on old costumes

Watching out for these allergens is the first step towards a symptom-free Halloween.

Creating an Allergy-Friendly Costume

Employ a few of the following tips to create an allergy-friendly costume for you or your kids:

  • Check the label. Costume labels will indicate the materials used in their manufacture. When selecting cloth costumes, look for those made from wool and polyester. For masks or other accessories, check for latex and rubber.
  • Avoid metal elements. If you have a nickel allergy, avoid costumes with metal attachments like necklaces, rings, earrings or helmets.
  • Buy hypoallergenic makeup. Hypoallergenic makeup will reduce the risk of skin reactions from face painting. If you can’t find hypoallergenic options, look for products labeled as unscented or nontoxic. These same rules apply to things like neon hairspray and glitter.  
  • Clean old costumes. If you’re reusing a costume from a past year, remember to clean it carefully. Wash fabric costumes on a gentle cycle, wipe down electronic parts (like noise makers) and place rubber masks and other plastic parts in a warm soap bath. Cleaning old costumes will not only reduce the risk of dust and mold buildup, but it will also leave the costumes feeling refreshed for a long night of trick-or-treating.

Allergies shouldn’t deter you from dressing up like your favorite TV character, animal or adventure novel protagonist. By employing a few of the above tips, you can have a great night filled with laughter, candy and spooky movies—without itching or sneezing. For more information on managing your allergies this fall, contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today.