What is Christmas tree syndrome?

Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.


What causes Christmas tree syndrome?

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.

How do you get rid of Christmas tree syndrome?

Buy a fungicide spray from your local garden center to spray the affected areas. To minimize symptoms, you can also place an air purifier in the same room. A purifier will help remove any remaining mold spores from the air so that your family won't feel so sick. Finally, minimize the time you keep the tree indoors.


What is Christmas tree disease?

Pityriasis rosea (pih-tuh-RY-uh-sis ROH-zee-uh) is a common skin condition that causes patches of your skin to develop raised, scaly rashes. It may appear on any part of your body, but it usually appears on the trunk (torso), arms and legs.

Is my Christmas tree making me sick?

Christmas tree allergies may manifest themselves with familiar allergy symptoms, including hay fever, skin rashes, coughing, and wheezing. If any of these symptoms crept into your life in the same time frame that you set up your Christmas tree, you may indeed have a Christmas tree allergy.


What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome?



Why do I always get sick after Christmas?

Staying indoors

One of the main reasons the spread of illnesses increases is due to the quantity of time we spend indoors. Dr Dan Robertson, Medical Officer at Push Doctor, said: “The problem around Christmas time is that the weather is cold and wet and the days are shorter.

Is Christmas tree syndrome real?

Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.

When does Christmas tree rash go away?

Pityriasis (pit-ih-RIE-uh-sis) rosea can happen at any age but is most common between the ages of 10 and 35. It tends to go away on its own within 10 weeks. Treatment may help relieve the symptoms. The rash persists for several weeks and heals without scarring.


Does stress cause pityriasis rosea?

Patients often report the outbreak of Pityriasis rosea after a period of stress due to the negative effect that stress has on the immune system, which leaves the patient more vulnerable to the onset of the disease.

What are symptoms of being allergic to Christmas trees?

Symptoms of pine pollen allergies are much like “hay fever” and typically include:
  • Itchy tearing red eyes.
  • Bags under the eyes.
  • Runny nose with or without sneezing and congestion.
  • Coughing.


What percent of people are allergic to Christmas trees?

In many cases, once the tree gets into your home the mold on the tree begins reproducing, triggering an allergic reaction known as “Christmas tree syndrome.” About 7% of the general population with allergies suffers from Christmas tree allergy symptoms that include (2): sneezing. coughing. congestion.


Why do you put an aspirin the water for the Christmas tree?

Is it true that dissolving an aspirin in the water reservoir of cut Christmas trees helps keep them fresh longer? A. No, that is not true. Adding aspirin -- or anything else -- to water in the tree stand reservoir does nothing to prolong the life of a cut tree.

Why does aspirin help Christmas trees last longer?

The National Christmas Tree Association says the best way to keep a Christmas tree hydrated is plain fresh water. Adding aspirin, soda, bleach, corn syrup, sugar or preservatives are unnecessary and actually can be detrimental. They can decrease moisture retention and increase needle loss.

How common is Christmas tree rash?

Itchy and scaly (each pink dot is covered with a thin white scale, like cigarette paper), the rash is fairly common and sometimes confused with ringworm, eczema or psoriasis. Beer says he sees about a dozen cases of Christmas tree rash a year, usually in people under the age of 40.


How do I stop my child touching the Christmas tree?

How to stop children touching Christmas decorations
  1. Separate Decorations and Toys. Put all the Christmas toys (not decorations) in one place and explain they can play with these and move them about the house. ...
  2. Give them their own tree. ...
  3. Allow touching but not moving.


How can I stop my Christmas tree allergies?

In addition to washing off allergens such as mold and pollen, hosing down your tree can also remove any lingering dirt and make sure that your tree is sparkling clean before you start decorating. To prevent Christmas tree mold growth, make sure that your tree is completely dry before you bring it indoors.

Why did I get pityriasis rosea?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is not known, but it is commonly believed to be caused by a virus or bacteria. Some patients may have a cold before the rash. It is usually seen in children, adolescents, and young adults. Most people with the rash are 10 to 35 years of age.


How do you get rid of pityriasis rosea fast?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Take nonprescription allergy medicine (antihistamines), such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).
  2. Bathe or shower in lukewarm water. ...
  3. Apply a moisturizer, calamine lotion or a nonprescription corticosteroid cream.
  4. Protect your skin from the sun.


What helps clear up pityriasis rosea?

How do dermatologists treat pityriasis rosea?
  • An anti-itch lotion, such as hydrocortisone cream.
  • Triamcinolone ointment.
  • Antihistamine that you take.
  • UVB phototherapy (light treatments that are given in a dermatologist's office)


What soap is good for pityriasis rosea?

Use a mild soap, such as Dove or Cetaphil, when you wash your skin. Add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product, such as Aveeno. Keep the water warm or lukewarm.


What makes pityriasis rosea worse?

Hot water and strong soaps can worsen the rash and the itch. If your rash doesn't itch, taking a hot shower or using a strong soap can trigger an itch.

Are Christmas tree rashes rare?

Pityriasis rosea, also called a Christmas tree rash, is an oval-shaped skin patch that can appear on different parts of your body. This is a common rash that affects people of all ages, although it typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 35.

Why is it disrespectful to put your Christmas tree up before Remembrance Day?

The act of putting up holiday decorations before Remembrance Day on November 11 often sparks a polarizing debate. Some say it's disrespectful to veterans to distract us away from memorial events with Christmas decorations, ads or music; but others believe there is room for both.


Can a Christmas tree be offensive?

While a decorated tree may have religious connotations for some people, the U.S. Supreme Court has determined that a Christmas tree is generally a secular nonreligious symbol. This view was also adopted by the EEOC. Thus, employers may include Christmas trees among their decorations even if an employee objects.

Is there a disease that turns you into a tree?

What is epidermodysplasia verruciformis? Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is an extremely rare skin condition that can cause bark-like growths. While the exact prevalence of EV is unclear, there have been more than 200 reported cases, the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) note.