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Allergies make Halloween scary for parents

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- For U.S. children Halloween is a scary night, but for parents of trick-or-treaters with food allergies, it can be a night of terror.

In addition to food allergies of peanuts, tree nuts and milk products, some children are allergic to latex used for many masks and costumes.

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Parents of younger children can maintain control and politely refuse some goodies or can make alternative plans to trick-or-treating such as hosting a costume party.

Parents also need to ensure their children are always armed with an epinephrine auto-injector in the event that their child becomes exposed to an allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

The AAAAI recommends that if your child has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis, you should have an active prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector, and the device should be with the child at all times.

Teens are often at even greater risk, so when they attend Halloween parties and dances parents need to remind teens to read food labels and avoid unwrapped items. If they are allergic to latex, teens need to take care to avoid flexible masks and costume parts/props, which are often made of latex.

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