About Allergies: Halloween and Peanut Allergy

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies This Wednesday is Halloween, and children all across the country will be dressed up going door-to-door in search of treats. Thousands of these children have food allergies, including to peanuts. Unfortunately, on Halloween many children will likely accidentally eat the food to which they are allergic, and may end up in the emergency room as a result. Children with peanut allergy on Halloween particularly concern me, as many treats handed out on tonight may contain peanuts -- and the child may not realize it until after the food was eaten. Many treats, including chocolate bars and cookies -- especially the homemade types, contain peanuts. If you have a child with food allergies, especially to peanuts, I'd suggest that you take extra precautions tonight: 1. Make sure your child eats something before going trick-or-treating, that way they'll be less likely to sneak a treat without asking you first. 2. Make sure your child asks you before eating anything that someone else gave them. If you don't know what's in the treat, don't let them eat it. 3. Consider carrying some of your child's favorite treat with you, in case they can't eat the treats given to them by other people. 4. Always carry emergency medicine with you on Halloween night, including injectable epinephrine and antihistamine, as well as a cellphone. You never know when and where you might need it. Following a few simple tips can ensure that your child has a safe and fun Halloween night. Is Global Warming Causing More Allergies? Global warming is a hot-button issue in today's political environment. Some say that global warming, due to the man-made increases in greenhouse gases, is responsible for melting the polar ice... Read more Invasion of Asian Lady Bugs! They fly. They swarm. They cause nasal allergies and asthma. Who are they? Asian ladybugs, of course! And in many parts of the Midwest and East Coast, they're invading homes... Read more Halloween Doesn't Have To Be Scarier For Those With Food Allergies Trick-or-treating on Halloween night can be especially spooky for those with food allergies.  Many of the bite-sized candy bars and other snack-size treats don't label ingredients or other allergy information.... Read more Allergy Basics The page covers topics which are basic to the understanding of allergic diseases in general. A brief question and answer format is used in an easy to read and understand manner. Related Searches About Food Allergies Peanut Allergy Peanut Allergies Allergies Treatment Seasonal Allergies Featured Articles Frequently Asked Questions Nose and Eye Allergies Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies   More from About.com Plan a Caribbean Vacation Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a girlfriend getaway, or an active family vacation we've got the resources you need. Read more...> How to Eat Locally Eating locally has many benefits, the food is fresher, tastes better, and has less environmental impact. But how can you get started? Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement