Halloween Eye Safety | RxWiki Leave a comment

(RxWiki News) Halloween is all about fun — complete with cool costumes, mountains of candy, haunted houses and trick-or-treating. So don’t let potential eye dangers get in the way of all the Halloween thrills.

It’s OK to wear vampire teeth, don a witch hat or practice your zombie walk, but don’t put your eyes at risk this Halloween. Make sure your Halloween costume — and your child’s — is as safe as it is spooky.

Dangers of Eye Makeup

Colorful makeup might make you a more convincing scary clown, but it might also endanger your eyes. Thick coats of makeup around the eyes can get into the eye during the course of a night spent trick-or-treating — or even when you’re removing the makeup.

Use only makeup approved by the FDA, especially on the face or around the eyes. Unapproved costume makeup may contain ingredients that could pose further eye risks, such as irritation.

For a list of the color additives approved by the FDA that are OK to use on the face and around the eyes, refer to Color Additives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics.

Always test the makeup on a small area on your arm before applying it to your face, especially if you have never used the makeup before. Try the makeup for a few days and check for allergic reactions.

Remove the makeup exactly the way the label says. The label may instruct you to use cold cream, soap and water or eye makeup remover. If makeup gets into your eye, flush the eye with cool water.

If pain or redness persists after you have rinsed your eyes, seek medical care.

A Pointed Concern

If you plan to be a swashbuckling pirate or gallant knight, leave the sword at home — or settle for a fake one.

Experts recommend avoiding pointy props for your costume. If the sword is a must, make sure it’s made out of soft, flexible material. These materials are often used in props at Halloween costume shops.

Also, be sure to include a belt carrier or protective case like a sheath in your costume. That way, you minimize the risk of accidentally poking your eye or someone else’s — and you keep those candy-grabbing hands free.

For information on candy, decorative contact lenses and costume safety, check out Halloween Safety Tips.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions about keeping safe this Halloween.