First Aid

A lot of cosplayers mention bringing along a cosplay-fix-kit, which helps you fix your cosutme when something goes wrong, but you may also want to pack a basic first-aid kit in case something happens. Some basic first-aid items you might want to include are:

• Band-aids
• Corn Cushions (especially if wearing new shoes)
• Cold / Allergy Medicine / Antacids 
• Antibiotic Ointments (to treat cuts)
• Aloe Vera Cream (if there is a chance of sunburn)

Band-Aids are sometimes carried by con staff and major first-aid items, such as gauze and splints, will be available at the first-aid station but medicine isn't something that is given out so it's best to pack your own. You don’t need much to take around a con, unless you plan to do something really extreme!

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Allergies

Red eyes, itchyness, runny nose, eczema, hives... allergies aren't fun! Cosplay and Congoing can introduce you to a lot of allergens so it's important to be aware so you can avoid those symptoms.

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Cosmetic Allergies

The best thing you can do for yourself is to try your makeup out at least before the convention. One, you can perfect your look so you look even better in photos and Two, you can see if the makeup reacts negatively with your skin. Some makeups can cause you to break out, give you a rash, or give you an allergic reaction - ruining your awesome look.

So how do you test your makeup? You do a patch-test. A patch-test will let you know if your skin has a reaction to the makeup (contact dermatitis), usually indicated by swelling, itching or redness.

How To Patch Test:

• Apply the product to your face, wrist, neck or crook of the arm.
  
  
• Leave the product on for 24 hours.
  
  
• Watch for signs of an allergic reaction: redness, swelling, itching, etc.
  If you experience a reaction, wash the product off.
  
  
• If you did not have a reaction you can use the product.
  If you did have a reaction, do not use that product. You may want to discuss the reaction with your doctor.

Any cosmetic product could cause a reaction, including shampoo, deoderant, perfume or moisturizer. If you experience a reaction and are unsure what caused it you can do a patch test with a variety of products to see which is the culprit.

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Allergies at the Convention

Conventions have a lot of people and a lot of allergens! If you suffer from allergies, pack some allergy medication to counter any reactions you might have during the weekend. If you have a severe allergy you should also bring your Epi-Pen.

What are some allergens you might come across at a convention?

• Scents: From perfume and deoderant
  
  
• Pet Hair & Dander: Left on clothing.
  
  
• Nuts & Food Allergens: From snacks brought to or dold at the convention
  
  
• Latex: Some people may wear costumes that involve latex
  
  
• Pollen & Plants: Located around some convention centres

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Do Your Part

While allergies can range in severity, some people can have a very strong reaction to allergens causing them to go into anaphylaxis. While people with allergies will usually take their own precautions, you can also take steps to avoid causing a reaction. These include:

• Avoid wearing strong scents, such as perfume
  
  
• Wash your hands after eating, especially foods such a seafood or peanuts.
  
  
• If you are selling food at the con, offer an ingredients list
  
  
• If you are sharing food at the con:
  
  • Ask if the person has any allergies before sharing
  • Have a copy of the ingredients available
  • Don't force food on someone who declines