You're especially likely to find nickel in costume jewelry, which can be a popular accessory for many Halloween costumes. Some children also might be allergic to latex, dyes and other materials used in costumes and masks, according to Christa Easley, Ph.D., of Austin Clinical Research Inc. in Texas. Frieri adds that common Halloween toys may contain latex and other allergic materials as well. Attending Halloween parties can pose other problems, too. At Halloween, kids go into homes that may have pets, particularly cats and dogs.
Seasonal allergens abound, as well.
Depending on where you live, fall allergies can include mold, ragweed, and pollen from weeds, grasses and trees. Dr. Michelle Lierl, associate professor of clinical pediatrics in the Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Division at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, says asthma attacks could also be triggered by the sheer excitement of Halloween. Kids with asthma come into the emergency room every Halloween. Instruct your child not to eat any candy unless a parent or trusted adult has checked the ingredients first. If appropriate, include your child in the creation of the plan so that he or she is better prepared when some of the candy in the bag is taken away.