The "Con Crud" Protocol: Biological Decontamination & Immune Recovery After a 3-Day Event

By Dr. Silas Vance

H2: Introduction: The Convention Center as a Bio-Hazard Zone

It is a statistical inevitability. After every major event (like AFA or Comiket), a wave of illness sweeps through the community. We colloquially call this "Con Crud."

Medically, this is an acute upper respiratory infection driven by a specific set of variables: High Viral Load (thousands of people in a closed HVAC system) combined with Systemic Immune Suppression (caused by sleep deprivation, dehydration, and physical exertion).

You have just spent 72 hours in a petri dish. To survive the week without falling ill, you must enact the Post-Con Decontamination Protocol immediately upon returning to your base of operations.

H2: Phase 1: Asset Decontamination (Cleaning the Costume)

Your costume is now a fomite—a surface capable of carrying infectious agents. Do not simply throw it in a pile.

H3: The "Skin-Contact" Layer (Textiles)

Any fabric that touched your skin (bodysuits, compression shirts, wig caps) is saturated with sebum and bacteria.

• The Action: These must be washed immediately. If the fabric is delicate (spandex/lycra), use a cold water soak with an enzymatic detergent (designed to break down biological proteins like sweat) rather than a harsh machine cycle.

H3: The "Non-Washable" Outer Shell (Armor & Props)

You cannot wash EVA foam or Worbla armor in a machine. However, leaving it uncleaned promotes mold growth and permanent odor.

• The Chemical Wipe: Use a solution of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Wipe down the interior of all armor pieces. The alcohol kills the bacteria that cause odor and evaporates quickly without damaging the foam structure.

• The "Freezer" Method: For boots or gloves that cannot be wiped easily, place them in a sealed plastic bag and put them in the freezer for 24 hours. The sub-zero temperature kills organic bacteria and neutralizes odors without using water.

H3: Wig Sanitation

Wigs collect airborne particulate matter and sweat at the hairline.

• The Protocol: Turn the wig cap inside out. Spray the lace and the cap mesh with alcohol or a theatrical costume sanitizer spray (like Vodka spray, a theater industry standard). Allow to air dry completely before storage to prevent mildew.

H2: Phase 2: Biological Decontamination (The Body)

Showering is obvious. But to prevent "Con Crud," you must go deeper.

H3: The Nasopharyngeal Rinse

The primary entry point for convention pathogens is the nasal cavity. You have been inhaling dust, hairspray particles, and viruses for three days.

• The Solution: Use a Saline Rinse (Neti Pot or saline spray) to physically flush the nasal passages. This mechanically removes trapped viral particles before they can colonize the mucous membranes.

H3: Deep Pore Cleansing (The Makeup Purge)

Cosplay makeup is heavy and occlusive. "Double Cleansing" is mandatory.

1. Oil Cleanse: Use an oil-based balm to dissolve the polymers in setting sprays and wig glue.

2. Water Cleanse: Use a foaming cleanser to wash away the residue.

• Warning: Failure to remove spirit gum or wig glue completely can lead to Contact Dermatitis, leaving the skin raw and vulnerable to infection.

H2: Phase 3: Systemic Recovery (The Immune Reset)

Your body is currently in a state of high cortisol (stress) and dehydration.

H3: The Electrolyte Balance

Water is insufficient. You have lost significant sodium and potassium through thermoregulation (sweating in costume).

• The Intake: Consume an Electrolyte Solution (Pedialyte or sports drink) rather than just plain water. This restores the electrical balance required for muscle recovery and reduces the "post-con headache."

H3: The "Zinc" Loading Phase

Evidence suggests that Zinc supplements, if taken within 24 hours of exposure, can reduce the duration of respiratory infections. Combine this with Vitamin C and, crucially, Sleep.

• The Sleep Debt: Your immune system repairs itself during deep sleep. You cannot "power through" Monday. You must prioritize an 8-10 hour sleep cycle to allow T-cells to function effectively.

Conclusion: Recovery is Part of the Process

Professional cosplay does not end when you leave the convention hall; it ends when your gear is clean and your health is restored.

By treating the post-con period as a medical and logistical recovery phase, you ensure longevity in the hobby. Clean your armor, flush your sinuses, and sleep. The next deadline is already approaching.

 Dr. Vance's medical and logistical guide to recovering from a convention. Learn how to sanitize non-washable armor, flush sinuses, and boost immunity.

Footer: © November 30, 2025 | fevercos.com

Author Bio: Dr. Silas Vance is a Senior Research Fellow in Polymer Textiles and Historical Costume Reproduction. He advises Fevercos.com on material fidelity and structural integrity for professional-grade cosplay applications.