Halloween and Your Skin

Keep Your Skin from Becoming Ghoulish

By SkinCareGuide.ca

With Halloween upon us, adults and children alike are planning costumes for parties, school events and trick or treating. For some adults, it is the one time of year that "the inner child" comes out to play. Costumes, make-up and funny shoes are all fun to put on but there are some things to consider so that your skin and your health are not affected.

Here are some Halloween Skin Health Precautions:

1. Prevent Cuts and Scrapes:

The pumpkin is on the table, your kids are asking for spooky eyes and a silly mouth to be carved and oops, the knife slips and cuts your hand. Just one Halloween scenario which can result in an injury or even a trip to emergency Don't forget tripping on your costume and scraping your knee. Click on http://www.skincareguide.ca/conditions/bacterial_infections/cuts_and_scrapes.html to learn more about treating cuts and scrapes.

2. Latex allergies:

Wearing a scary mask to your party? Be careful of reactions to latex. If you have latex allergies or sensitive skin, your face may react to the latex rubber. Try hypo-allergic face make-up instead. Read more about latex allergies at http://www.eczemaguide.ca/basics/eczema_like/allergic_dermatitis.html

3. Your Skin and Glue:

Do you really think gluing that beard on is a good idea? Think again. Reactions to the "special" glue (even though it says it is safe to use on your face) can results in blemishes, rashes and even damage to your skin. And definitely, never put glue near your delicate eye area!

4. Reactions to make-up:

Using make-up is often an integral part of your Halloween costume but it can often cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. So try these hints:

a.  Try the product BEFORE Halloween, to ensure that you don't react to it.
b.  Make sure you only use products intended for your face
c.  Be extra careful using products around your eyes and avoid getting it in your eyes.

5. Don't spread the germs:

Make-up can get contaminated and cause infection, especially around the eyes. Here are some precautions: a.  Make sure your hands are clean when applying eye make-up to yourself or your children to avoid spreading bacteria. b.  It is important not to borrow your friend's eye make-up, or try the make-up sample at the store, as germs can be spread this way. If you are testing a shade, use a disposable applicator to decrease the risk of contamination. c.  Throw out your old cosmetics. Bacteria can breed on your old cosmetics and then infect your eyes. Throw away mascara after three months and any old cosmetics that have become dusty or dirty or have sat in the sun, like that orange eye shadow from last Halloween.

6. Don't share your shoes:

Fungal infections, specifically athletes foot and nail fungal infections, can be spread by wearing other people's shoes. The fungi can remain in shoes that have not been cleaned with the proper anti-fungal product. See Fungal Guide.ca for more about this topic.

7. Avoid burns:

Flammable costumes, and long, dangly sleeves should be avoided, especially for children. Halloween brings fire crackers, lit pumpkins and spooky candles; all items that can catch your clothes on fire.

8. Clean your skin when the parties over:

All of us are guilty of it; going to bed with make-up on, but waking up with your "Halloween face" is definitely not a good idea. Before you hit the sheets make sure that you remove all of your make-up to avoid break-outs and allergic reactions in the morning. Read about mild cleansers by clicking here Mild Cleanser.ca
Remember, use common sense this Halloween. If you have a reaction to your costume or make-up, that doesn't go away, see your family physician. For general skin care advice, go to www.SkinCareGuide.ca

About SkinCareGuide.ca:
The SkinCareGuide Network of dermatology-related websites was founded by a prestigious group of international dermatologists. It provides comprehensive information for patients and physicians about the skin, its care and various skin conditions and treatments. All content is reviewed by an independent Board of Medical Advisors to ensure that the information is accurate, unbiased and up-to-date. This information is not intended to replace a consultation with your own physician.

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