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During December many families set the mood for the holiday season with a Christmas tree. However, aside from decorating with lights and ornaments, Christmas trees can also be a source of discomfort and havoc. We would like to take a moment to talk about Christmas trees and some of the reactions people may experience after handling this certain symbol of the season.
Christmas Tree Syndrome refers to allergic reactions caused by Christmas trees, whether they are real or fake. The syndrome shares several of the symptoms from traditional allergies such as irritated skin, rashes, and disruptions to vital bodily systems such as respiratory complications. Many people misdiagnose their symptoms as the cold, flu, or chalk it up to holiday stress instead of looking for the source of their ailment.
We would like to point out that this is different from the form of psoriasis known as the Christmas Tree Rash. Instead, we will be focusing on the relationship between you and your Christmas tree.
Contact dermatitis is one of the larger contributing factors to developing Christmas Tree Syndrome. But what is it? Contact dermatitis occurs on a variety of levels but begins when something comes in contact with your skin and causes a reaction. There are generally two types:
If you decide to purchase a live tree and are prone to allergies, you are more likely to suffer from Christmas Tree Syndrome. You may experience red, itchy, stinging skin on the hands and forearms, eye irritation, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms associated with allergies.
Live trees are great sources of mold as they can carry over 50 different kinds of molds and allergens that may trigger an allergic response. Those with seasonal allergies or asthma may experience a reaction with a higher count of mold spores present in their home. The longer the tree remains in the house, the higher the spore count can become. Homes with central air can even help mold spores to travel throughout the house leaving no escape for those who suffer from allergies.
Mold spores, pine oils, allergens, other natural substances, or even chemicals used to preserve trees on the branches and needles can irritate your skin or enter your immune system triggering a reaction.
Wearing long sleeves and gloves while setting up your tree can prevent most irritation. Make sure the sleeves are long and thick as needles can poke through thin materials allowing oils and spores to live on clothes and transfer to the body quickly.
An artificial tree may seem like a better option comparatively, but there are still risks and chances of developing Christmas Tree Syndrome with an artificial tree. If mold and oils cause a reaction with live trees, what causes the reaction with artificial? While artificial trees can also gather mold and dust during storage, there is another source of the reaction.
The type of reaction from live trees is often a form of allergic contact dermatitis as it is a reaction to the allergens found within the tree itself such spores, sap, oils, or other allergens.
Christmas Tree Syndrome from artificial trees often refers to irritant contact dermatitis which can develop from any substance that can irritate the outer layer of your skin.
Artificial trees often require fluffing by hand, irritation occurs as hands and arms receive numerous micro-abrasions and scratches from the needles. Dust, dirt, and possible mold particles from the storage or box then enter these cuts traveling deeper into the skin causing more irritation–especially to those with sensitive skin.
Similarly wearing long sleeves and gloves can help prevent irritation from occurring. Also consider wiping down artificial trees before use and storing them in plastic tubs or airtight bags for the rest of the year to keep dust and mold at bay.
The most common symptoms of Christmas Tree Syndrome include:
Those who suffer from asthma may find their symptoms worsening with exposure to mold or other allergens and may develop anaphylaxis shock due to difficulty breathing from swelling in the throat, or suffer from a swollen face or eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.
The best way to save yourself from Christmas Tree Syndrome is to prevent contact with the irritant as described above. Covering your skin with gloves and thick sleeves as you handle and decorate your tree and then washing clothes immediately after use will help prevent a reaction.
Use an antibacterial soap to rid your skin of any possible irritants and cover the area with a thick layer of unscented lotion to relieve itchiness. Antihistamine pills may also help relieve symptoms in mild cases. However, for more severe reactions, please seek immediate medical attention.
Following these suggestions will help prevent you and your loved ones from experiencing Christmas Tree Syndrome.
By taking these few simple precautions and informing yourself about Christmas Tree Syndrome, you can make your holiday season decorative and delightful without the irritation, extra sneezes, and sniffles. For more information on how to prevent Christmas Tree Syndrome within your household this holiday season, contact Dermatology Specialists, Inc. today.
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Oceanside, CA 92056, US