Category: Blog

By Lora Stewart, MD

Halloween can be a frightening time if you or someone in your family has a food allergy. Candy with potential food allergens seems to be lurking around every corner this time of year. As a result, trick-or-treating can be a perfect disaster between the excitement, the candy and the darkness! But if you have a plan for Halloween, you can take the FRIGHT out of the NIGHT! Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your trick-or-treating plan. Be sure to discuss these points with your children before heading out to eliminate any surprises.

SAVE THE TREATS FOR HOME

Be clear from the beginning that there will be no eating while trick-or-treating. You might want to bring safe snacks from home or feed your kids prior to leaving. Do not put yourself in a position of having to read labels and make decisions in the dark and away from home.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL

If applicable, be sure to have your epinephrine auto injector with you the entire time. There are also many homes that participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. These homes will have a teal pumpkin outside and will only offer non-food items for Halloween. Learn more at foodallergy.org

CANDY INSPECTION

Once you are home, inspect all candy for potential allergens. Keep in mind that “Fun-sized”        treats may have different labels than the normal-sized treat. Be sure to inspect all labels carefully.  Your unwanted candy can be donated to several different organizations, such as   those that send care packages to U.S. troops.  Click here for options for donating candy.

CELEBRATE YOUR OWN WAY

Consider avoiding trick-or-treating altogether. Instead plan a new family tradition of a movie and popcorn at home, board games or even a craft night!

We hope that following these guidelines will help you and your family enjoy a fun and safe Halloween. As always, contact us with any questions or concerns. Happy Halloween!

by Lora Stewart, MD

There are certain types of insects that can cause allergic reactions.  Most people know about bees and fire ants, but there is a caterpillar that can cause allergic reactions too.

The Douglas-fir Tussock Moth caterpillar is covered with small hairs which may cause allergic reactions in some people and some pets.  The typical reaction includes rash, hives, redness and itching of the skin, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.  The reaction is called “Tussockosis”.   The caterpillars must touch your skin in order to cause the allergic reaction, it is not airborne.

Douglas County currently has high levels of tussock moths and caterpillars.  The Douglas-fir tussock moth caterpillars are a native species that primarily feed on Douglas fir needles. According to the Douglas county website, the current tussock moth caterpillar activity is occurring on both private and US Forest Service lands between Perry Park and Valley Park, areas off Dakan Road and west of Pine Creek Road.

Preventative measures include:

• Avoid spending time in infested areas

• Avoid touching the caterpillars

• Wear long sleeves, long pants and gloves

• Wash exposed skin immediately with soap and water

• Shower and change clothes after spending time in an infested area

• If rash occurs, treat with Over-The-Counter anti-itch creams and anti-histamines.

If the rash is significant or the medications are not working, contact our office.

Contact us with any questions or concerns, and have a fun and safe summer!