For many spooky season celebrants, fake blood is considered a vital accessory when it comes to taking a Halloween get-up to an even gorier extreme.
Whether dripping from the side of the mouth to create the impression of a ravenous vampire, or splashed across a throat 'wound' to mirror a medieval beheading, many trick-or-treaters heavily rely on this sticky red ooze to really put the blood in bloodcurdling.
Fake blood is also a firm favourite amongst those who insist they're far too cool to create a full-fledged character, many of whom are guilty of whacking a bloody teardrop on their cheek and calling it a day.
Ahead of Friday's (31 Oct) terror-fest, however, health experts have issued a stern warning this year, to anyone considering incorporating artificial arteries into their costume, whether to a lavish or low-key degree.
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Whilst we'd like to imagine otherwise, in a lot of cases - particularly in cheaper brands - fake blood isn't created in the same, kind-to-skin manner with which make-up is manufactured.
And as such, there's the real risk that toxic and potentially harmful additives could be thrown into the mixture, without proper research having been conducted into how these could affect the body's skin cells.
As a result, medics say that year upon year, they're forced to treat party-goers for the likes of allergic reactions, skin irritation, or even serious health issues, which have been caused by the use of fake blood.
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Health experts from Vermont Urgent Care (VUC) explained of the most sinister cases: "The red dye used in fake blood could cause irritation if it reacts with a petroleum base."
Adding to this, representatives from one fancy-dress store (aptly named Costume Shop), went on to issue advice on the best means avoiding such chemicals, telling their customers: "The first step to safely using fake blood is checking the product's ingredients."
They added: "Beware of products that contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, or high levels of zinc. Also, avoid products that contain non-FDA approved colorants. These ingredients can cause severe allergic reactions, especially in children or people with sensitive skin."
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The online supermarket's owner also emphasised the importance of carrying out a patch test on any substance you plan to use in excess on the body.
"Simply apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area of your skin, like the inside of your elbow," they advised. "Wait for at least 24 hours. If any signs of irritation occur—redness, itching, swelling—do not use the product."
VUC medics went one step further with their warning, suggesting that those dead-set on using artificial blood (pardon the pun) make their own using 'corn syrup, flour, and food colouring'.
"It’s an effective non-chemically invasive alternative that looks just as real," a spokesperson added.
Rhianna Benson