I. Love. Chocolate. Anyone who knows me well knows how excited I get about chocolate – actually, sweets in general – so naturally, Halloween is always a favorite. But unfortunately, I was cursed with a nut allergy and therefore cannot enjoy many of the fine Halloween treats that so many of you can (i.e. Reese's, Snickers, Take 5). When it comes to Halloween, we talk a lot about being safe with alcohol, but being safe with Halloween candy/snacks and avoiding bad allergic reactions is just as important.

Here are a few things I've picked up on from experience over the years about dealing with allergies, specifically nut allergies. This is especially important for people who don't have allergies and may not realize what we have to do to avoid a reaction.

Always inspect what you're about to eat
Look carefully at wrappers if you can. Smell it if you're still not sure; usually, the smell of peanut butter and nuts is very distinct, so you'll pick up on it right away. If it's something homemade, find the person who made it and ask if whatever contains nuts. If you're still not sure, it's not worth the risk. Disappointing, but not worth the risk. 

When it doubt, spit it out
If you do take a bite of something and it has nuts, you'll probably taste it right away because it's so distinct. Run and find a tissue, napkin or paper towel, and spit it out before swallowing it. Then drink a lot of water to wash the taste out. I've thwarted many reactions this way, including last year at Safe Halloween when I mistook a regular Hershey's bar for one with almonds (again, pay attention to the wrapper!). If you're not allergic to nuts and you see this happen, be sure to know where the nearest bathroom and place to get water will be.

Not sure if you or a friend is having a reaction?
Sometimes we don't realize that we're actually having a reaction. If you sneeze nonstop, have watery and/or itchy eyes, cough a lot, notice your lips swelling and break out into hives, you're probably having a reaction. Time to break out the Epi-Pen.

An Epi-Pen is your best friend
It's always important to carry one with you at all times, especially when going out. You never know when you might need to use it (high school homecoming dance, anyone?); it will literally save your life if you ingest something. If you're not the one having the reaction, keep an eye on your friend after he or she uses the pen to make sure it worked. If he or she looks to be calming down and breathing easier, it's usually a good sign. It does take a little bit of time, though. I can't remember how long, however, since it's been several years since I last had to use the Epi-Pen.

If you're still having issues, go to the hospital
If you find that the Epi-Pen didn't eliminate all the symptoms or made you or your friend feel worse (this once happened to me...in a department store), get to the hospital right away. This is by far the best thing you can do to feel better. Of course, if you think you're having a reaction and aren't sure of what to do at any stage, it's best to just go to the hospital and get checked out before things get worse.

If your Halloween parties and celebrations will include candy and other treats, remember to be cautious of what you're eating or to be wary for your friends who do have these unfortunate allergies. Have a safe and happy Halloween!