I tend to become sneezy and stuffy during the holiday season. Is my Christmas tree at fault? The holiday season can bring joy and laughter, but it can also lead to itchy eyes, irritated skin, congestion, and wheezing at times. This group of symptoms, often called “Christmas tree syndrome,” usually isn’t caused by an allergy to the tree itself. However, experts note that things like mold or dust that may be on the tree can trigger an allergic reaction. If you’re sensitive to the scent or sap of the tree, it can irritate your skin or airways. Fortunately, there are methods to reduce the chances that your Christmas tree will make you sneeze and sniff like a Grinch. What might cause these reactions? Generally, individuals who are allergic to trees are allergic to the pollen that plants generate during reproduction. However, pollen from evergreens is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to other tree pollens, and trees typically don’t produce pollen during this season, making it improbable for someone to be genuinely allergic to their Christmas tree, according to Dr. Joshua Davidson, an allergist and immunologist in Redondo Beach, California. Nevertheless, it is still possible to experience allergic or allergy-like symptoms when around pines, spruces, and firs. Here are a few possible reasons. We are experiencing issues accessing the article content. Please turn on JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your understanding as we check your access. If you’re in Reader mode, please leave and sign into your Times account or subscribe to access all of The Times. We appreciate your patience while we confirm your access. Are you already a subscriber?
