Can having a Christmas tree in your home actually make you feel sick?
Even though "Christmas tree syndrome" might sound like a made-up thing, it is very real to allergy sufferers, mainly due to the mold present on the trees. Christmas trees began being considered as a health hazard way back in 1970 when Dr. Derek Wyse published a paper in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, stating that 7% of people with allergies witnessed a spike in their symptoms when a Christmas tree was brought into their home.
"Here's a telling statistic: More than 50 kinds of mold were found on samples researchers brought in from their own Christmas trees for a 2011 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Many common culprits for allergies were among the bunch," Dr. Kara Wada wrote on The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's website.
Although the major irritant in Christmas trees is mold, dust on branches and some lingering pollen from the pine or other plants could contribute to a lesser extent.
"People with rashes might be allergic to a component of the Christmas tree's sap. 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," Wada wrote.
An artificial tree might not be the solution, either, particularly if it’s dusty or stored in a damp basement, humid garage or attic.
To knock off mold, pollen and dirt, it is recommended to hose down the tree before bringing it inside and let it dry for a few days in a garage or outside if it's warm enough. It is also recommended to use the service some tree lots offer, where a machine shakes off dirt and dead needles.
The careful storage of Christmas ornaments can also help prevent mold formation and dust accumulation in between seasons.
The Wexner Medical Center offers some suggestions to help alleviate allergy problems during the holiday season: nasal washes to clear sinuses and soothe inflammation, allergy drops for eyes, long-lasting nondrowsy antihistamines for sneezing or runny noses, nasal steroid sprays for stuffy noses, and hydrocortisone cream for rashes. For a rash, however, you may need a prescription steroid ointment or oral steroid.
To learn more about how to keep sinuses in their best shape and avoid "Christmas tree syndrome," please visit Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.
