NW LA Times

As the holiday season sets in with boughs of holly and lights strung everywhere you look, having a Christmas tree in your home might come with the risk of itchy rashes and stuffy noses for those suffering from allergies.

Known as "Christmas tree syndrome," The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Dr. Kara Wada said worsening allergies during the holiday season — including watery eyes, a runny nose and difficulty breathing — might be a direct result of mold and dust settling on the family’s tree.

“There was an article about Christmas tree syndrome tacked up in allergy exam rooms at the Ear and Eye Institute at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I was surprised how many patients said, ‘Hey, that happens to me,’” Wada wrote.

While pine pollen is a common allergen at other times of the year, the prevalence of mold is the main irritant that puts a damper on holiday celebrations, making artificial trees equally susceptible to triggering allergy symptoms if the tree is dusty or stored in a damp basement or humid garage or attic, where mold could grow.

“If you have an allergy that occurs over several seasons, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi,” the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said. 

To reduce the impact of mold, pollen and dirt associated with Christmas tree syndrome, the Wexner Medical Center recommends hosing down the tree and letting it dry before bringing it inside. You can also use a tree lot service that shakes off dirt and dead needles with a machine. 

The way Christmas ornaments are stored may also help prevent the formation and accumulation of mold and dust between holiday seasons.

Suggestions to alleviate symptoms once they have begun include nasal washes to clear sinuses and soothe inflammation, allergy drops for eyes, long-lasting non-drowsy antihistamines for sneezing and runny noses, nasal steroid sprays for stuffy noses and hydrocortisone cream for rashes, according to Wexner Medical Center.

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