Whether you buy a new Christmas tree every year, or find the previous year’s tree somewhere at the back of a cupboard, you may be considering decorating it this weekend.
In the UK, people typically start decorating their house on the first weekend of December, to coincide with their advent calendars.
But before you do put up your Christmas tree this year, it may be wise to consider whether it could be damaging your health.
Some trees may be instigating symptoms of allergies, in a condition appropriately named ‘Christmas tree syndrome’.
Christmas tree syndrome is a condition that causes the symptoms of allergies, including itchy red bumps on the skin, and a stuffy nose.
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It could be caused by a number of factors, dependent on whether you have a real or fake Christmas tree, according to allergist-immunologist, Dr Kara Wada, from The Ohio State University.
For those that prefer a brand new real tree every year, it could be the tree’s sap that’s causing your runny nose.
“People who notice their allergies worsening this time of year might experience what’s sometimes called Christmas tree syndrome, or Christmas tree dermatitis if you get the rash,” said Wada.
“I get the sense that the problem is likely more prevalent than we know. Some patients wondered whether they are allergic to pine trees.
“The irritating material that comes from the sticky sap is called colophony or rosin, and it can cause a rash similar to one from poison ivy, developing in the day or two after touching the tree.
“Additionally, some people with sensitive skin could get red, itchy spots simply from needles poking the skin, similar to how some of us are more prone to irritation from scratchy sweaters.
“But it turns out that the pine pollen, a common allergen other times of the year, is not the main irritant lurking in your fresh-cut tree.”
Mould could be main cause of your Christmas tree allergies, warned the allergist-immunologist.
More than 50 different types of mould could be hiding on your Christmas tree, researchers have revealed.
Similarly, dust on beaches and lingering pollen from pine or other plants could be exacerbating the symptoms, she added.
Fake Christmas trees aren’t exempt from mould spots or dusty branches, either.
If it’s usually stored in a dusty or damp cupboard, or even in a humid garage, it could be at risk of mould spots.
If you think you may have Christmas tree syndrome, it’s a good idea to hose down your tree before bringing it inside the house for decorating, she said.
Alternatively, try dusting your fake tree and ornaments, and wash its stand. A vacuum cleaner or leaf blower could dislodge any stubborn bits of dust.
Speak to a pharmacist for advice on the best over-the-cunner allergy medication, including nasal sprays, antihistamine tablets, or hydrocortisone creams.