Halloween is a mere month away, and with it comes the customary joy that embodies dressing up, candy indulgence, and the excuse for adults to get together and drink. During this season, the last thing on your mind is probably yucky illnesses that can dampen the autumnal spirit. Yet one woman on TikTok has made it synonymous with the spooky season.
In a viral clip, TikToker Alex (@princess_al3x), at the risk of being a “buzzkill,” issues a PSA to Halloween enthusiasts everywhere: you might want to think twice about trying on costumes at Spirit Halloween.
The act is a rite of passage for any American who wants to make the most of the holiday. Still, there’s a reason you should forgo the tradition of donning that scream mask or pirate hat at the store.
“Not to be a buzzkill, but just a reminder for people that like to come in and try on all the hats and masks at Spirit [Halloween],” she begins, “Pink eye and lice do exist.”
Alex provided proof in the caption, writing, “I have def gotten pink eye.”
Her PSA sent chills throughout her comments section, with viewers affirming her warning.
“And they do NOT sanitize those masks,” one user wrote. “I know. I worked there.” Another said their friend got pink eye just from trying on sunglasses.
One user wondered whether the warning had any validity. “I mean, i tried them on growing up.. what’s the difference now??” they asked. “A little germs to build up their immune system is about it. its not that serious.”
Is it?
Can trying on Halloween costumes give you pink eye, lice?
Turns out, Alex isn’t technically wrong. One Healthline article stated that pink eye bacteria can live on fabric for up to two days. However, some others can stay on surfaces for as long as 8 weeks. And since bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) is highly contagious, it doesn’t have to be transmitted via direct contact. So if one user with pink eye tries on a mask or costume, it’s possible the bacteria can be transmitted.
As for lice, October is the month when doctors see an increase in their spread, according to experts. A HuffPost article reported, “During Halloween season, dozens of people try on wigs and hats all day long. Lice may only survive for 24-48 hours off a host, but these costumes are being turned over all day. This provides far more opportunities than normal for lice to spread.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared tips on how to prevent getting pink eye.
Some of them included:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, and help young children do the same.
- Washing hands especially well after touching someone with pink eye or their personal items.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as makeup, eye drops, towels, bedding, contact lenses and containers,
To prevent lice, online resource My Hair Helpers shared the following:
- Wear a bathing cap when trying on costumes.
- Put the costume in a sealed bag. When you purchase a costume, particularly a used one, place it in a sealed bag for 48 hours before wearing it. This will kill off any lice that may still be alive.
- Toss the costume into the dryer.
- Avoid sharing costumes with others
@princess_al3x I have def gotten pink eye from one of the masks #spirithalloween #pinkeye #lice ♬ original sound – Alex
The Mary Sue reached out to Alex via TikTok direct message and Spirit Halloween via email.
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